The U.S. National Science Foundation Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Quantum Sensing for Biophysics and Bioengineering (NSF QuBBE)

NSF QuBBE seeks to create quantum measurements and imaging systems that exceed classical limits to extract novel information from biology.


 

Quantum Sensing for Biology

The tools for exceeding the classical limits and accessing new information are the same: quantum coherence and correlations. Coherent quantum systems enable interferometric measurements at the nanoscale, while quantum correlations permit exquisite control over multiple interactions by changing the probabilities.

Correlative Imaging

Up to this point, we have imposed a sort of hierarchy looking at organisms, tissue, cells, and molecules, and we have probed subsystems within this hierarchy…but again and again, we are surprised when these subsystems couple in important, unforeseen ways. Correlative probes using quantum light and electrons provide a new paradigm where these observations of coupling and correlation are natural and easily observed because biology is not constrained by the particular hierarchy that we must impose to break the system down into chemical or biological subunits.

 

Creating Tomorrow's Quantum Workforce

Biology and quantum science are convergent fields. NSF QuBBE will dramatically accelerate this convergence by driving use-inspired development of quantum sensing modalities and novel correlative imaging approaches. Fundamental basics science in both biology and quantum will work in tandem to create transferrable technology platforms for novel biological measurements. NSF QuBBE will further develop the next generation of scientists and workers familiar with this technology, inspire young students to pursue STEM education, and foster an understanding of quantum science in the next generation.

Congratulations   2/2/2026

Bozhi Tian

Congratulations to Bozhi Tian for receiving the 2026 Marian and Stuart Rice Research Award.

Physics Breakthrough   12/11/2025

Peter MaurerDavid AwschalomLaura GagliardiAaron Esser-Kahn

Peter Maurer, David Awschalom, Laura Gagliardi, and Aaron Esser-Kahn's research on fluorescent-protein spin qubits has been named one of the top 10 physics breakthroughs of 2025.

Award   11/12/2025

Patrusky Lecture   11/8/2025

Workforce Development activities within NSF QuBBE

Workforce Development

Outreach activities within NSF QuBBE

Outreach

New Materials activities within NSF QuBBE

New Materials

Targeting Biological Processes activities within NSF QuBBE

Targeting Biological Processes

Imaging and Sensing activities within NSF QuBBE

Imaging and Sensing

Translation activities within NSF QuBBE

Translation

Quantum Academy activities within NSF QuBBE

Quantum Academy

T.-X. Zheng, M.I. Bakti Utama, X. Gao, M. Kar, X. Yu, S. Kang, H. Cai, T. Ruan, D. Ovetsky, U. Zvi, G. Lao, Y.-X. Wang, O. Raz, S. Chitransh, G.T. Smith, L.R. Weiss, M.H. Czyz, S. Yang, A.J. Fairhall, K. Watanabe, T. Taniguchi, D.D. Awschalom, A.P. Alivisatos, R.H. Goldsmith, G.C. Schatz, M.C. Hersam, and P.C. Maurer, "A Surface-Scaffolded Molecular Qubit", arXiv:2601.19976 (2026)

K.R. Pradeep, P. Acharyya, P. Nandi, T.S. Ie, B.C. Li, D.J. Gosztola, G.S. Engel, R.D. Schaller, and M.G. Kanatzidis, "Ultrafast Carrier Self-Trapping Driven by Strong Exciton-Phonon Coupling in 2d Ma(3)Bi(2)I(6)Cl(3) Perovskite", J Am Chem Soc (2026)

S. Lee, S. Chakraborty, S. Kim, A. Ali, K. Mitra, M. Zajac, A. Brown, D. Pincus, and Y. Krishnan, "Organelles Harbour Ph Gradients", bioRxiv 2025.2012.2012.694065 (2025)

D. Kim, J. Kim, N.E. Lopez, A. Krupinski, H.C. Fry, R.D. Schaller, and J.S. Anderson, "Click-Functionalizable Tetrathiafulvalene Tetrathiolate Diradicaloids as Modular Nir-Ii Fluorophores", ChemRxiv 2026 (2026)

J.A.L. Howard, B. Ambrose, M.A.S. Abdelhamid, L. Frame, A. Alevropoulos-Borrill, A. Ejaz, L. Dresser, M. Dienerowitz, S.D. Quinn, A.H. Squires, A. Noy, T.D. Craggs, and M.C. Leake, "The Transitional Kinetics between Open and Closed Rep Structures Can Be Tuned by Salt Via Two Intermediate States", Nucleic Acids Res 54 gkaf1483 (2026)

U. Zvi, S. Mundhra, D. Ovetsky, Q. Chen, A.R. Jones, S. Wang, M. Roman, M. Ferro, K. Odunsi, M.C. Garassino, M.E. Flatte', M. Swartz, D.R. Candido, A. Esser-Kahn, and P.C. Maurer, "Probing Cellular Activity Via Charge-Sensitive Quantum Nanoprobes", Advanced Materials e05107 (2025)

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