
Programs

Events
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Zenith Grants
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Fulcrum Grants
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Competitions
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Structure
The Foundational Questions Institute, FQxI, is an international group of scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers in physics, cosmology, and other scienti$c $elds questioning the foundations of science, along with outreach specialists. FQxI seeks answers to foundational questions in these disciplines.
Our programs are at the core of the Institute and work in concert to accomplish FQxI’s goals. FQxI’s programs include but are not limited to,
- Zenith Grants: RFPs open to international researchers and outreach specialists and offer multi-year grants to investigate the foundations of science.
- Events: FQxI curates special gatherings focused on small workshops and talks, as well as opportunities for Members and special invitees to discuss and collaborate.
- Fulcrum Grants: These small grants of up to $15K enable Members opportunities for workshop development, collaborations, travel to present papers, and more.
- Competitions: This program inspires active discussion and excitement from the general public, professionals, and Members with themes that explore the foundations of science integral to our deep understanding of reality.
- QSpace: FQxI’s online platform hosts engaging content to increase public understanding of known and future discoveries in the foundational sciences and the potential implications for our worldview. Growth and change are a natural part of FQxI’s scientific mission and trajectory. When new programs are launched, the goal remains: to enable and share research on foundational questions.
Growth and change are a natural part of FQxI’s scientific mission and trajectory. When new programs are launched, the goal remains: to enable and share research on foundational questions.
Funding
FQxI’s programs are funded by philanthropic organizations and donations from individuals and corporate partners. This funding has enabled us to support work on a broad range of issues in foundational science all around the world. We are currently raising funds to host future rounds of the Zenith and Fulcrum Grants. Please contact us via email if you are interested in funding new grant programs.

QSpace Latest
Video: Uncertain Works | Can quantum measurements fuel tiny engines?
Quantum physicists Benjamin Huard and Alexia Auffèves are building operational quantum engines using superconducting metals, in this film by Lina Kabbadj and Toby Fitzpatrick. The physicists are using the power of quantum measurement to provide energy to small-scale engines. Will this work revolutionise the way we view and use the concept of information?
Explore more:
- Read Miriam Frankel’s Q&A with Alexia Auffèves, The Quantum Engineer.
- Listen to The Hiding Place and the Universe, a semi-fictionalised audio journey into the Huard lab in Lyon, France, with physicists Alexis Jouan and Antoine Marquet.
- Watch Austria’s Quantum Machines.
- Watch Information as Fuel.