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.

Falling Walls Breakthrough of the Year   9/9/2026

David AwschalomPeter Maurer

Congratulations to David Awschalom on winning the Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year in Physical Sciences for his work turning molecules and proteins into qubits, including the fluorescent-protein spin qubit developed with Peter Maurer.

Award   8/31/2026

In the news...   8/26/2026

qubbe

The NSF QuBBE renewal was featured in The Quantum Insider, HPCwire, and Quantum Computing Report.

NSF QuBBE Renewed!   8/25/2026

qubbe

The U.S. National Science Foundation has renewed NSF QuBBE with a $37.5 million, five-year investment (September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2031) to advance quantum sensing from proof-of-principle measurements toward robust tools for biology and medicine. Read the NSF announcement and the UChicago News story.

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)

Y. Wang, T. Madhavan, V. Wachter, J.D. Schaefer, A. NewRingeisen, Z. Wei, F. Fung, B.A. Stickler, and M.D. Lukin, "Nonlinear Dynamics and Mechanical Frequency Combs with a Meissner-Levitated Micromagnet", arXiv:2609.11668 (2026)

P. Put, A. Pillai, X.H. Le, M.D. Lukin, and H. Park, "Quantum Sensors for Chemistry and Materials Science", arXiv:2607.07848 (2026)

Y. Wang, T. Madhavan, J.D. Schaefer, A. NewRingeisen, F. Fung, and M.D. Lukin, "Exploring Dynamics of Individual Vortices in a Superconductor Via a Levitated Magnetic Transducer", arXiv:2606.27297 (2026)

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