ALERT: Read about the response to COVID-19 taking place in EPSCoR/IDeA jurisdictions.

Foundation Overview

The EPSCoR/IDeA Foundation (EIF) is a national non-profit that promotes the science and technology enterprise through improving university research infrastructure and increasing research competitiveness among historically underfunded states.

The National Science Foundation created the first EPSCoR program in 1979 in response to congressional concerns about the geographic concentration of federal funding for academic research and development. Today, EPSCoR, EPSCoR–like, and IDeA programs operate in several federal agencies. EIF was created 16 years later in 1995. EIF collaborates with states and agencies that participate in EPSCoR and IDeA programs. EPSCoR/IDeA are competitive, merit based programs designed to enhance the science and engineering and technology capabilities of states that have historically been less competitive in the research and development arena. The EPSCoR/IDeA Foundation governance structure includes a Board of Directors and Executive Director.

EIF Goals

The EIF is dedicated to increasing awareness, visibility and increased participation of the EPSCoR and IDeA states in the nation’s scientific and technological enterprise by:

  • Sponsoring, organizing, developing, and operating educational, scientific, literary, and charitable programs to expand the capacity of the EPSCoR and IDeA states to carry out competitive scientific and engineering research and education, and to institutionalize gains.
  • Serving as an information clearinghouse on the accomplishments and progress of projects and activities of importance to the EPSCoR states.
  • Developing relationships among EPSCoR and IDeA participants, the private sector, government, the national scientific community, and other universities to develop systemic approaches to science and technology improvements in the states.
ex arrow-right check news twitter facebook Papers