Columbia Engineering researchers, collaborating with colleagues at the University, have won two grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research that has the potential to transform quantum research. The Columbia projects are among the first to be chosen for federal funding for quantum research since the announcement of the National Quantum Initiative Act, signed into law by President Trump last December. Out of 200 pre-proposals for this funding opportunity, only 19 grants were awarded by the NSF.

A team of Columbia University scientists, including Prof. Nanfang Yu, has been awarded $2 million to execute a project aimed at extending the excited state lifetime of atoms, allowing for new technological innovation and advancing the field of quantum science.