Mission

Building Research Excellence

Increasing the quality of research within EPSCoR/IDeA jurisdictions accomplishes the following:

• Facilitates U.S. world leadership in science and technology by strengthening the nation's research capability
• Encourages all parts of the country to participate in and benefit from a strong scientific and technological enterprise
• Builds local and national support for stronger science and technology research and education
• Expands economic opportunity and creates jobs through improved education and technology transfer
• Prepares a diverse and highly competent scientific and educational workforce

Stimulating Competitiveness

EPSCoR/IDeA awards undergo a rigorous, multi-stage review process and represent the highest quality research. They as serve as a mutually beneficial federal-state partnership; aligning with state and institutional needs, while concurrently meeting national standards for intellectual merit, quality and impact. EPSCoR/IDeA programs enable researchers to compete for "mainstream" research funds.

Making A Difference

"The Nation requires the talent, expertise, and research capabilities of all States in order to prepare sufficient numbers of scientists and engineers, remain globally competitive, and support economic development.“ The NAS study also concluded that "EPSCoR programs have enhanced the nation’s human capital by strengthening research infrastructure and training many future scientists and engineers in states where, in some cases training opportunities had been scarce and largely inadequate prior to the program’s arrival.”

“The EPSCoR program has contributed meaningfully to jurisdictions’ increased competitiveness for NSF funds. Jurisdictions across all EPSCoR cohorts have developed their research bases and increased their S&E research and education programs, reaching, in certain cases, parity with non-EPSCoR jurisdictions.”

Looking to the Future

While the scientific talent and research infrastructure in EPSCoR/IDeA jurisdictions have undergone significant improvements, the uneven distribution of federal research and development funds persists. In 2016, five states received 40% of federal research and development funds while the 27 EPSCoR/IDeA jurisdictions received only 10%. Global competitiveness depends on scientific and technological advances throughout the country. EPSCoR/IDeA jurisdictions are poised to help address the nation's most pressing science and technological priorities.