The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation has announced its inaugural cohort of Experimental Physics Investigators, who will receive a total of $20 million.

The 16 fellows will each receive $1.25 million over the next five years to pursue transformative research during a critical time in their careers—directly following attainment of tenure—and build collaborative relationships that enable innovative discoveries. The fellows’ research will explore a broad range of open scientific questions, including quantized vortex lines in superfluid liquid helium, optical properties of nanostructures in butterfly wings, infrasound signatures of tornados, and correlated atoms and molecules trapped in large arrays formed by optical tweezers.

The foundation also will support the work of this and future cohorts by providing equipment grants and hosting convenings to share new ideas and encourage collaborations. Central to the effort is supporting the investigators as they strive to make their research groups inclusive and advance equity in their departments. 

“It’s critical to support not just those who have had opportunities and resources to excel, but to support adoption of practices that will expand access to these opportunities in the future,” said Catherine Mader, program officer in the Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative. “Helping these researchers find resources and adopt practices to enhance equity and inclusion is an important way the foundation can help all group members produce their best science.”

For a complete list of the inaugural Experimental Physics Investigators, see the Moore Foundation website.

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