Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Materials Research awarded $500,000 to the University of California, Davis under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) for a three-year project running from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2029. The project focuses on discovering and developing new intermetallic compounds through flux and direct synthesis methods, with primary deliverables including investigation of thermoelectric, magnetic, and related properties that could enable more efficient waste heat-to-energy conversion and support advanced technologies such as spintronics and quantum computing. Research outputs will include peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and material property data that advance understanding of structure-property relationships in novel intermetallic semiconductors and semimetals.

Beyond direct research outputs, the award delivers significant educational value through student training in materials synthesis, laboratory techniques, and scientific methodology. The project provides hands-on research experience and professional development opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at UC Davis, including mentoring, workshops, and conference participation designed to build communication and professional skills. Research findings will be disseminated broadly to the scientific community, contributing to the NSF's objective of strengthening the Nation's scientific enterprise and enhancing understanding of materials science challenges relevant to emerging energy and electronics technologies.