INSF Call for Quantum Sciences and Technologies

Quantum technologies have recently become one of the most transformative scientific and technological fields in the world. This field, utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics, especially what is now known as the second quantum mechanical revolution, based on coherence, superposition, and entanglement, has opened up new paths for humanity in the fields of computing, communications, simulation, sensing, imaging, and metrology. Development and progress in this field not only lead to fundamental scientific leaps, but can also significantly enhance the technological ecosystem of countries and create new competitive advantages in a variety of industries.

Iran National Science Foundation (INSF), considering the increasing significance of quantum technologies and the active research capacities in the country, has announced the main focus areas of the quantum call, based on the followings:

• Addressing the value chain aligned with national needs
• Developing human resources in quantum science and technology
• Recognizing global and domestic advances and bridging the existing gap with international standards
• Building on the research and educational background of national institutions

Priority areas

1. Development of sciences and technologies related to quantum and post-quantum cryptography and their applications

2. Development of sciences and technologies related to information, computing and quantum calculations and their applications

3. Development of sciences and technologies related to quantum sensing and imaging and its applications

Eligibility

Applicants must be faculty members of universities or research institutes approved by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology or the Ministry of Health and Medical Education.

Expected Outputs:

The expected output from submitted projects in the field of quantum technologies, in proportion to the type and cost of the project, is defined mainly at the level of scientific research, publication of internationally recognized articles (Q1) and development of initial laboratory prototypes. These projects are expected to be in the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 1 to 4; meaning that the main focus will be on scientific ideation, conceptual design, phenomenon identification, conducting proof-of-principles experiments and building a laboratory prototypes.

This approach reflects the existing national research infrastructure and the importance of creating indigenous knowledge and training expert human resources in the field of quantum sciences. The main goal of support at this stage is to provide the basis for knowledge accumulation, build scientific capacity and to complete the quantum technology value chain, paving the way for higher TRL levels and future commercialization.

Attached Files

Research Project Proposal Form for Quantum Science and Technology Projects

Call Date

October 26 to November 26

Funding

To support research and development projects in the field of quantum technologies, the funding is considered proportional to the composition of the research team and the level of scientific synergy:

•This distinction is intended to encourage inter-university and interdisciplinary cooperation, increase the quality and scale of projects, and better utilize the country's scientific capacities. It is worth noting that in all of the above projects, except for the initiator project, the implementing team must include an expert in quantum sciences and technologies.

• The INSF Evaluation Committee will be responsible for determining the project type (initiator, single-discipline, and interdisciplinary).

• Applicants must specify budgeting breakdown (e.g., personnel, lab services, consumables and equipment, sample collection, travel, etc.) in the proposal.

• If PhD students and postdoctoral researchers participate in the research team, their salaries must be added to the project budget in accordance with the INSF regulations, the amount of which is determined annually.

• The maximum salary for main collaborators (faculty members) for interdisciplinary projects is set at 30% of the total project budget, and for single - discipline and initiator projects at 20% of the total project budget.

• In all of the above projects (except initiator), if there is a need for international student exchange in line with the supported project, the following costs can be supported in addition to the support mentioned in the table above, up to a maximum of 5 billion rials:

• Living expenses for a maximum of 6 months for a PhD student who travels to Iran to collaborate in the project.

• Travel expenses for one Iranian PhD student who has been accepted into an international group for at least 3 months in line with the implementation of the project.

Application

Applicants can register by visiting the INSF Research Management System and applying through the Applicants/Researchers section. If you do not have a personal profile in this system, first register and then log in to the system using your username (Email) and password. After logging in to the Submit New Project section, you can submit your project from the Quantum Sciences and Technologies tab.

Contact

After reviewing the call details and related guidelines on the INSF portal, researchers with any questions regarding the submission process, eligibility, or scientific content may send a support ticket through their profile to the “Community and Industry Relations Management Unit.”