Program Information
ESTABLISHED PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE RESEARCH
EPSCoR stands for the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. The National Science Foundation (NSF) uses EPSCoR to increase research capacity in traditionally under-funded regions of the country—like Kansas. Its primary mechanism for achieving this goal is called the Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) program. These awards enable states like Kansas to enhance their competitiveness for research funding. RII proposals are submitted by Kansas NSF EPSCoR on behalf of the program partners in the state. Other NSF EPSCoR mechanisms include co-funding, workshops, and outreach.
Archived Past Projects
Current major investments in Kansas
Adaptive and Resilient Infrastructures driven by Social Equity (ARISE)
2022-2027
Simply put, ARISE seeks to help Kansans rebound faster and suffer less from large-scale disasters. Its research is rooted in community engagement and blended with education to pave the way for statewide benefits.
Microbiomes of Aquatic, Plants, and Soils Systems across Kansas (MAPS)
2017-2023
MAPS research is addressing the challenge of simultaneously feeding a growing population, sustaining agriculture, maintaining soil quality, and minimizing greenhouse gases and water contaminants using new data-driven solutions.
Funding Opportunities
First Awards help early-career faculty become competitive for funding from the research directorates at the National Science Foundation.
Current solicitation is closed.
Research and Education Innovative (REI) Awards fund small projects that will either allow for networking and planning or for the immediate pursuit of larger projects for developing new transformational concepts.
Current solicitation is closed.
Museum Projects Award provides funds for developing museum outreach programs that intersect the natural science and engineering aspects of MAPS research with fine art or visual and graphic design elements. Solicitation is closed.
Learn more: Microbes on the Move
a mobile pop-up exhibit
National Science Foundation
EPSCoR Investment Strategies
NSF EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Program:
RII Track-1 Awards provide up to 20 million dollars over 5 years to support and improve the jurisdiction’s research and development competitiveness. The jurisdiction’s EPSCoR steering committee selects the project and the research activities associated with it must align with the specific research priorities identified in the approved Science and Technology (S&T) Plan of the jurisdiction.
RII Track-2 Focused EPSCoR Collaborations (FEC) Awards build inter-jurisdictional collaborative teams of EPSCoR investigators in scientific focus areas consistent with NSF priorities.
RII Track-4 EPSCoR Research Fellows Awards provide support to non-tenured investigators to enhance their individual research potential and their jurisdictions’ research capacity through extended collaborative visits to the nation’s premier private, governmental, or academic research centers.
RII Bridging EPSCoR Communities Awards seek to help undergraduate and graduate students from target groups overcome barriers along their training path.
NSF EPSCoR Events
Webinar: Community Capitals for ARISE
March 8, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
MAPS Annual Symposium
APRIL 4, 2023
ARISE Annual Symposium
April 21, 2023
Kansas Data Science Consortium Conference
April 29
Kansas NSF EPSCoR News
Student Spotlight: Adaeze Okeukwu
Adaeze Okeukwu has always been interested in computer science. Now, as a doctoral student at Kansas State University, she is excited to expand her skills in this area as part of ARISE. Her research will help build a novel tool that could transform how cities invest in...
Real-Time Data Point for the Win
A group of Kansas City youth got a science snack to go with the Super Bowl this year. With help from our ARISE project and the EPA, the teens are learning about data science at the Saturday Academy, a long-running program by Kansas City Kansas Community College. 15...