About EPSCoR
Introduction
NSF
is the National Science Foundation.
EPSCoR is the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.
The State of Maine is one of 21 states plus the commonwealth of Puerto Rico that
participate in the National Science Foundation's Experimental Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research.
Background
Preliminary figures for fiscal year 2001 show federally funded research and
development (R&D) obligations for the year are over $80 billion.
Any portion of that can make a very real difference in a state's economy when it
is spent on research facilities and research jobs in a state.
But R&D investments are not simply split up on a state-by-state basis.
Researchers all over the country compete for federal support, and federal
agencies fund those projects that show the most promise and/or meet the greatest
need.
While this is a very sensible way to invest R&D funds, unfortunately some states
end up receiving much smaller portions of federal R&D funding than others.
The problem is difficult to overcome for a state that may not have enough R&D
infrastructure or specialized scientific talent to compete with institutions in
other states.
To help level the playing field, Congress directed the National Science
Foundation (NSF) to develop a program to help these states compete more
effectively for federal R&D funds.
National Science Foundation
NSF is one of many federal agencies that funds R&D, and it's one of the
largest.
NSF developed the
Experimental Program
to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR.
Those states identified by NSF as "EPSCoR States" qualify for infrastructure
grants designed to help develop R&D capacity.
In addition to certain funding opportunities through NSF, other federal agencies
also recognize EPSCoR State status and offer grants designed to meet EPSCoR
objectives.
Economic Objective
EPSCoR specifically targets science and engineering projects that have the
potential to contribute to economic growth.
This objective is expressed in their mission.
|
"...EPSCoR identifies, develops, and utilizes a
state's academic science and technology resources in ways that ultimately will
support wealth creation and a more productive and fulfilling way of life for its
citizens. To achieve this end the NSF cooperates with state leaders in
government, higher education, and business to establish productive long-term
partnerships in support of common goals...." |
Great care goes into identifying which areas of R&D are in the strongest
position to meet Maine's economic development needs.
To this end, EPSCoR cooperates with the State of Maine, relying on the Maine
State Legislature and various legislative committees to oversee R&D in Maine,
and prescribe areas of research that would be candidates for possible EPSCoR
investments.
The University of Maine
At The University of Maine, the Office of the Vice President for Research
works closely with EPSCoR and the Maine State Legislature to develop strategic
research initiatives consistent with the spirit of EPSCoR.
These are highly targeted, infrastructure-building initiatives designed to help
the State of Maine meet it's economic development objectives.
