Foundational Questions Institute

FQxI's Mission

FQxI catalyzes research and outreach primarily on questions at the foundations of physics and cosmology. FQxI supports high-risk, high-reward science—in particular new frontiers and innovative ideas integral to a deep understanding of physical reality that lie beyond the remit of conventional institutional support and funding. FQxI strives to make science more effective and equitable in all its efforts.

How FQxI Makes a Difference

At FQxI, we are committed to supporting scientific revolution, not just evolution. FQxI funds high-risk, high-reward projects that challenge the status quo. We cultivate curiosity, and our interest is in science itself.

Through FQxI’s grantmaking programs, we support scientists across the globe working at the forefront of their disciplines—those who challenge the ideas others take for granted and those who dream big and then roll up their sleeves to test their ideas.

FQxI runs grant programs to support research endeavors varying from large-scale support of laboratory work through our Zenith Grant program to mini-grants awarded to create workshops where great ideas can be exchanged between colleagues via our Fulcrum Grant program. In addition to funding over US$29M in grants for foundational questions research and outreach on issues ranging from the origin of the arrow of time in quantum gravity to the nature of consciousness., FQxI has generated thousands of scientific papers, hosted six international conferences, supported countless science meetings and workshops, and presented eleven competitions on foundational questions themes, awarding US$0.5M in prizes. Through it all, we share articles, podcasts, and videos featuring our grantees on QSpace.fqxi.org and engage our Membership of 200+ foundational questions researchers and outreach specialists (including five Nobel Prize in Physics winners).