Neguse Succeeds in Urging NSF to Restore Full Funding for Quantum Center at CU Boulder

Lafayette, CO — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has reversed its planned 22% reduction to the University of Colorado Boulder’s JILA Physics Frontiers Center (JILA-PFC), restoring the center’s full award. For more than twenty years, JILA-PFC has been foundational to quantum research and training, helping cement Colorado’s position as a leader in quantum science and innovation. The proposed reduction would have exacerbated the quantum industry’s talent shortage, not only in Colorado, but across the nation, and undermined the nation’s competitiveness in quantum science. 

Rep. Neguse and his office contacted NSF in early July to oppose the proposed cuts and urge the agency to fully fund the center. NSF has since informed CU Boulder that it will provide the full amount of funding for the grant's upcoming fourth year.

“Colorado’s research institutes and laboratories are central to the fabric of our state and our nation, and I’m proud to see the NSF heed our calls and follow through on their commitment to provide critical funding for CU Boulder’s barrier-breaking JILA Physics Frontiers Center. The hardworking scientists, researchers, and students at this institution have made groundbreaking advances in quantum that drive not only our state’s economy, but also America’s standing on the global stage. We must continue to support their work—for the development of the next generation of scientists and to ensure that the benefits of their discoveries reach every American,” said Congressman Neguse. 

“CU Boulder is grateful to Congressman Neguse and Colorado's congressional delegation for their leadership in supporting the JILA Physics Frontier Center and sustained investment in quantum research,” said Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes. “For more than two decades, the JILA Physics Frontier Center has advanced the frontiers of quantum science while training the scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of this critical field. This restored funding will strengthen that mission by supporting pioneering research and the development of the quantum workforce that Colorado and the nation need.”

Congressman Neguse has forcefully worked to protect Colorado’s scientific institutions, including opposing plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder and successfully protecting funding for vital programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

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