Eager: distributed research experiences for undergraduates in quantum information science

The National Science Foundation Division of Information and Intelligent Systems awarded Computing Research Association Inc. $400,000 on April 1, 2026, under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering program (CFDA 47.070) to establish the Distributed Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Quantum Information Science (DREU-QIS).

The program places undergraduate students in full-time summer research experiences in quantum computing at active research groups across the United States. CRA coordinates a national cohort of participants through shared research discussions, milestone checkpoints, and professional development activities designed to develop research skills and prepare students for graduate study. The recipient also establishes a structured mentoring and evaluation framework that supports research mentors, aligns student research milestones across institutions, and enables systematic assessment of program outcomes. The award builds on CRA's proven Distributed Research Experiences for Undergraduates model.

The period of performance runs from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2028. Work is performed at CRA's location in Washington, DC.

Abstract

The computing research association (CRA) will establish distributed research experiences for undergraduates in quantum information science (dreu-QIS), a nationally coordinated program that provides undergraduate students mentored undergraduate research experiences in quantum computing. Quantum information science is emerging as a strategically important area of computing that is expected to transform fields such as materials discovery, optimization, and secure communication. Sustained national leadership in this area requires a pipeline of innovators who can develop quantum algorithms and their software systems and architectures. However, many undergraduate students have limited access to research opportunities in quantum computing, particularly at institutions without active research groups in quantum information science. By providing structured research placements and professional development opportunities, the program aims to strengthen pathways into quantum computing research and contribute to the development of a skilled and innovative quantum workforce. The project focuses on three main goals. First, the program will provide undergraduate students with full-time summer research experiences in quantum information science through placements in active research groups across the united states. Second, the program will create a coordinated national cohort through shared research discussions, milestone checkpoints, and professional development activities that support students in developing research skills and preparing for graduate study. Third, the program will establish a structured mentoring and evaluation framework that supports research mentors, aligns student research milestones across institutions, and enables systematic assessment of program outcomes. The program builds on the proven distributed research experiences for undergraduates model developed by CRA. Through centralized coordination, rigorous mentoring practices, and national recruitment, the project will enable increased participation in quantum computing research and strengthen the nation?s quantum information science workforce. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.