Federal Project Grant Summary

The University of Southern California received a $439,075 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Computing and Communication Foundations under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) program (CFDA 47.070) effective June 15, 2026, with completion targeted for May 31, 2031. This CAREER award supports research toward quantum-augmented database systems that integrate emerging quantum computing technologies with classical database engines to improve optimization performance. The project develops a framework encompassing high-level abstractions for expressing database optimization problems compatible with quantum solvers while preserving domain-specific constraints, as well as scalable hybrid optimization methods that leverage quantum computational capabilities for complex tasks such as query execution and transaction scheduling.

Beyond core research deliverables, the award emphasizes workforce development through educational initiatives designed to introduce students to interdisciplinary skills at the intersection of database systems and quantum computing. The project includes development of educational materials and outreach programs intended to expand access to computing education and training, addressing the growing need for talent capable of bridging quantum computing and data systems domains. This work directly supports NSF CISE's mission to advance investigator-initiated research and enable discovery innovation across computing and information science engineering disciplines.