Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)

Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)
Name	Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
Founded	0 1979
Founder	National Science Foundation
Focus	Research capacity building
Headquarters	Alexandria, Virginia
Area served	United States and territories

Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) is a federal program designed to strengthen the research and development competitiveness of eligible states and territories. Initiated by the National Science Foundation in 1979, it aims to reduce geographic disparities in federal research funding. The program fosters partnerships between academia, industry, and government to build sustainable scientific infrastructure. Its model has been adopted by multiple other federal agencies, creating a multi-agency framework for national research capacity building.

History and Background

The program was established by the National Science Foundation in response to concerns over the concentration of federal research funding in a small number of states. Early analyses, such as those by the National Science Board, highlighted significant disparities in the distribution of awards from agencies like the National Institutes of Health. The inaugural EPSCoR jurisdictions included states like Arkansas, Maine, and West Virginia. The success of the initial model led to its expansion and adoption by other agencies, including the Department of Energy and NASA, throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Key legislative actions, such as the America COMPETES Act, have periodically reaffirmed and expanded its congressional mandate.

Objectives and Mission

The primary mission is to catalyze the development of competitive research enterprises within eligible jurisdictions. Strategic objectives include enhancing the research capabilities of universities and fostering productive collaborations with the private sector. A core goal is to support the career development of early-career faculty and researchers, often through targeted programs like the NSF CAREER Award mechanism. The program also emphasizes broadening participation in STEM fields and creating sustainable, knowledge-based economies in participant regions. This aligns with broader national goals for innovation and economic security.

Participating Jurisdictions

Eligibility is determined by a formula that considers historical receipt of federal research funds. Currently, over 25 states and territories qualify, including Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virgin Islands, and Wyoming. Several jurisdictions, such as Utah and Georgia, have "graduated" from the program after achieving sustained competitive success. The list is periodically reviewed by the National Science Foundation and other participating agencies.

Funding and Programs

Funding is provided through competitive, peer-reviewed solicitations that require jurisdictions to develop comprehensive, multi-year Science and Technology plans. Key NSF programs include the EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) tracks, which fund core infrastructure and workforce development. Other agency-specific programs include the NASA EPSCoR grants and the Department of Defense's DEPSCoR initiative. Funding often requires matching contributions from state legislatures or private industry, leveraging federal investment. These programs support a wide range of activities, from purchasing advanced instrumentation to establishing new research centers in fields like biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.

Impact and Outcomes

Assessments by the Government Accountability Office and agency Inspectors General have documented significant increases in research funding and capacity in participant jurisdictions. The program has contributed to the growth of major research centers, such as those affiliated with the University of Alabama in Huntsville and University of Alaska Fairbanks. It has also increased the number of competitive grant submissions and awards to faculty from EPSCoR states from agencies like the National Institutes of Health. Outcomes include the commercialization of technologies, formation of startup companies, and enhanced training for a skilled STEM workforce. These developments have helped diversify regional economies historically dependent on sectors like agriculture or extractive industries.

Governance and Administration

At the federal level, the program is coordinated by the National Science Foundation's Office of Integrative Activities, with liaisons in other participating agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Each participating jurisdiction establishes a governing committee, often called an EPSCoR/IDeA State Committee, to oversee strategic planning and implementation. These committees typically include representatives from major research institutions, state government agencies like the Department of Commerce, and private industry. Program performance is regularly evaluated against metrics developed by the National Science Board to ensure accountability and strategic alignment with national science policy goals.

Category:Research organizations in the United States Category:National Science Foundation Category:Science and technology in the United States