§8852 National Quantum Information Science Research Centers

Summary

The Secretary of Energy, through the Director of the Office of Science, must set up and run a program to create and operate at least 2 but not more than 5 National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. These Centers will do basic research to speed up progress in quantum information science and support related research. They must be chosen in a competitive, merit-reviewed process. National labs, colleges and universities, research centers, multi-institution teams, and other approved groups can apply. Partnerships may include private companies. The Centers should serve the needs of the Department of Energy, industry, and academia and should be coordinated to avoid duplicate work with other DOE research programs, universities, and industry. Each Center is funded for 5 years and can reapply for additional 5-year periods through another competitive review. The Secretary can close a poorly performing Center for cause. The law allows up to $25,000,000 per Center for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, subject to available funding.