NSF QuBBE Quantum Sensing Grant | $37.5M Research Update

NSF Funds Quantum Biology Research

The National Science Foundation has renewed the Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Quantum Sensing for Biophysics and Bioengineering, known as NSF QuBBE, with a $37.5 million grant. This funding covers a five-year term starting September 1, 2026. The program focuses on bridging the gap between quantum science and biological research.

Led by the University of Chicago, the institute brings together a group of scientists, engineers, and medical professionals. They work across the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and UChicago Medicine. Partners include Chicago State University, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Harvard University. The goal is to move quantum sensing from lab-scale experiments into practical tools for observing complex cellular processes.

Moving from Proof-of-Concept to Practice

Quantum sensors detect physical properties with high precision. In biology, they offer a way to look at processes currently hidden from standard microscopes. During the first phase of the program, researchers made headway with genetically encodable qubits and nanodiamond sensors. These tools can track cellular activity in ways previously thought impossible.

Peter Maurer, an associate professor at the Pritzker School, highlighted the shift in focus for this next phase. He points to protein qubits as a primary advancement. These sensors are roughly ten times smaller than diamond sensors. Because they are genetically encodable, they can be targeted with precision inside living cells. This allows scientists to place sensors exactly where they are needed.

The institute is also establishing the Berggren Center for Quantum Biology and Medicine. This hub serves as a central point for training doctors and researchers to work at the intersection of quantum physics and clinical medicine. It represents a move to standardize the use of these tools in actual healthcare settings.

Expanding the Quantum Workforce

Workforce development remains a central pillar of the NSF QuBBE mission. The institute works closely with Chicago State University to build academic pathways. This includes a one-year post-baccalaureate certification program and plans for a future master’s degree in quantum science. These efforts aim to open careers in the sector to a broader group of students.

Valerie Goss, a co-principal investigator based at Chicago State University, emphasizes the importance of these connections. The program creates opportunities for students to gain research experience early in their careers. By integrating undergraduate and graduate training, the institute hopes to fill the talent gap in this field.

High school students are also part of the reach. The Quantum Academy, led by the University of Illinois Chicago, provides teacher training and curricula. Educators get access to research experiences that they then bring back to the classroom. The intent is to spark interest in quantum science long before students reach university.

Defining a New Scientific Discipline

Establishing quantum sensing for biology as a distinct field is the long-term goal. The five-year agreement runs through August 31, 2031. During this time, the researchers plan to focus on four areas: developing nanoprobes, exploring entanglement, improving in vivo measurements, and accelerating clinical adoption.

Greg Engel, the director of the institute, notes that the team now integrates biological questions at the start of the design phase. Instead of building technology and searching for a use, they target specific biological problems. This strategy aims to ensure that the tools built are reliable enough for complex biological environments.

This investment shows a long-term commitment by the NSF to quantum infrastructure. By combining the strengths of multiple universities, the institute creates a model for interdisciplinary research. What happens over these next five years will determine if quantum sensing becomes a standard tool in modern biology.