National Science Foundation Directorate for Education and Human Resources
EPSCoR’s Origins
NSF’s 1989 statutory authority, Sec. 113.(a) of Miscellaneous Law 42 U.S.C. 182g, “… authorizes the Director to operate an Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to assist less competitive states that:
Have historically received little federal research and development funding; and
Have demonstrated a commitment to develop their research bases and improve science and engineering (S&E) research and education programs at their universities and colleges.”
EPSCoR’s Strategy
Quality within Context—To view each EPSCoR participant within the context of its stage of development and to support only focused, high-quality S&T enhancement activities
Added Value—To support only those activities that “add significant value” to the existing S&T enterprise Sustainability—To ultimately create a S&T infrastructure that will allow EPSCoR institutions and researchers to transition into the mainstream of Federal R&D support
Operating Principles
Accountability—Establish merit review at all levels with emphasis on the “value added” to existing circumstances. Both S&T and management program accountability emphasized at all levels. Partnerships—Promote establishment of Governmentuniversity-private sector partnerships designed to meet State and national S&T needs. Resources—Encourage significant non-Federal investment in S&T that will allow States and the Federal Government to share both the “risks and rewards” of academic R&D development.
EPSCoR Investments
EPSCoR investments are consistent with NSF’s Core Strategies: develop intellectual capital; strengthen the physical infrastructure; integrate research and education; and promote partnerships. Co-Funding Initiative—Joint support of proposals submitted by researchers in EPSCoR States to the Foundation’s ongoing grant programs Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII)—36-48 month awards of up to $9 million total. A 50% matching share is required over the term of the award. Outreach—Support of outreach visits by NSF program and professional staff to acquaint researchers in EPSCoR States with NSF programs, priorities, and policies
OPP Co-Funding Statistics (1999-2003)
Year:
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
# of Awards:
4 4 10 9 10 37
EPSCoR:
(in millions)
Program:
(in millions)
$0.3 $0.3 $1.9 $1.2 $1.0 $4.7
$0.4 $1.5 $5.5 $1.5 $0.8 $9.7
EPSCoR Office Staff
• Sherry Farwell – EPSCoR Office Head • Program Staff
Patricia Ferguson Simona Gilbert
Jane Harrington Martha L. James Julio Lopez-Ferrao Karen Sandberg Office Telephone: (703) 292-8683
Website: http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EPSCoR