Call for ideas: Small-scale experiments that advance fundamental physics
Submissions are due by noon Pacific time 13 January 2026
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is seeking bold ideas for small-scale experimental physics projects that shed light on “big questions” fundamental to our understanding of physics. We intend to collect ideas from the community to better understand how the foundation might make a difference in advancing the frontiers of science.
We are interested in high-risk, high-reward projects that could lead to new discoveries beyond the standard models of particle physics and cosmology.
“Small-scale” refers to table-top-size experiments or to ones that could fit in a typical university physics research lab. We welcome ideas from individuals and small teams. The use of national user facilities is allowed. However, we are not considering projects that require large teams and facilities (e.g., CERN, LIGO, kiloton detectors). Examples of topics include:
- Tests of interaction laws and symmetry principles.
- Foundational tests of quantum physics.
- Searches for new particles.
Primarily theoretical ideas related to these topics or other topics beyond Standard Model theory should be submitted to the Simons Foundation via the RFA for Simons Collaborations.
Funding
Currently, there is no guaranteed or allocated funding level for this program. Our goal is to understand promising research directions in this area and use this information to consider how the Moore Foundation could impact the field. If we do move forward with funding, we anticipate inviting teams interested in these areas to submit full proposals in early 2026 with the potential to provide support by late 2026 or early 2027. You must submit an idea for consideration to be eligible for any funding that might become available.
How to submit your idea
Submissions are due by noon Pacific time 13 January 2026, through the submission portal. Each idea must include:
- A two-page summary of the proposed research idea that could be accomplished within five years of funding. Include no more than three references, which are included in the two-page limit.
- A brief (1-2 paragraph) rough estimate of funding needed to pursue this idea and the anticipated project duration (up to five years). This should be included in the submission on a separate PDF page.
- One-page CVs for the point of contact (equivalent to a principal investigator) and any other key contributors (co-investigators).
All materials should be combined into a single PDF using Arial 10-point font or larger with one-inch margins. By submitting ideas, individuals agree that their idea may be shared with all foundation staff who are reviewing.
Review and eligibility
Ideas will be reviewed by foundation staff with advanced degrees in physics. Write clearly for reviewers who may not be experts in your specific field. We consider the ideas you submit confidential and will only share them with foundation staff who serve on the review committee.
Faculty or researchers at U.S. or international educational institutions and stand-alone research centers may submit ideas. Each main contact must hold a Ph.D. and a tenure-track or equivalent position. Individuals may appear on only one submission.
Questions
We will host live office hours to answer questions about this call for ideas on:
- 2 December at 9 a.m. Pacific time
- 8 December at 12 p.m. Pacific time
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Are National Laboratory researchers eligible?
A: National laboratories often cannot comply with our indirect cost policy, so national laboratory researchers are generally not able to participate unless they hold another position at OR collaborate with another researcher at an academic institution that can then serve as the grantee institution. - Q: I am a postdoctoral fellow, am I eligible?
A: No, you must hold a tenure-track or equivalent position. - Q: I am a research professor at a US academic institution. Am I eligible?
A: The primary contact must be in a tenure-track or equivalent position. - Q: Can I include a theory component in my proposed project?
A: Yes, but support should be primarily for experimental work. For more comprehensive theoretical work, consider an application (noted above) to the Simons Collaborations RFA. - Q: I am a current Moore grantee. Can I submit an idea?
A: Yes. - Q: Would "experiments" in observational astronomy be considered?
A: This type of work does not fit in the small scale experiment framework, so no, this type of research will not be considered. - Q: Can one PI submit more than one ide
A: The Call of Ideas is limited to one submission per individual. Individuals may only be listed as participants or leads on a single idea. - Q: I would love a chance to talk with someone about the scale of projects you are interested in as well as synergies and differences of this project with other experiments that you are already funding. Would it be possible to set up a call for sometime in early December?
A: We are unable to provide individual feedback on call for ideas. We encourage you to sign up for our informational office hours and check back for new additions to this FAQ. - Q: Does the budget size play a role in determining which ideas will be advanced?
A: No, we are primarily interested in hearing about ideas to help us understand areas of research that might benefit from support. This being said, there will be a limit to the amount of funding we may be able to offer, so providing a rough estimate of budget will help us understand the need. - Q: Are tenured professors eligible, or must lead applicants be tenure-track before tenure?
A: Tenured faculty are eligible to serve as the project lead who submits the application.
Please use the questions form to submit additional questions.