Maine Office of Innovation

| EPSCoR | |

What is EPSCoR? Since its origin in 1978 the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) has grown and evolved to the point where it is a highly regarded, government-wide research and development effort.

Established by the National Science Foundation (NSF), EPSCoR identifies, develops, and utilizes a state's academic science and technology resources in a way that supports wealth creation and a more productive and fulfilling way of life for its citizens. EPSCoR benefits states like Maine that have traditionally received small amounts of Federal R&D funding.

The NSF EPSCoR model has been adopted by several federal departments. Click here to find out more about different EPSCoR funding sources.

What does EPSCoR mean for Maine? EPSCoR funds are used to establish partnerships with leaders of state government, higher education and industry to effect lasting improvements in a state's research infrastructure and its national R&D competitiveness. In addition to research competitiveness, the EPSCoR programs stimulate human resources, technology transfer and economic development. By enhancing science and engineering research, education and technology capabilities, this Federal-State partnership is balancing the distribution of valuable Federal research dollars. These partnerships are designed to stimulate local action that will result in lasting improvements to the state's academic research infrastructure and increased national R&D competitiveness.

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NSF ESPCoR Co-funding. The Co-Funding Assistance operates internally within NSF and not require any action on the part of the proposer. For example, in 2002 & 2003 there was co-funding of 43 additional awards to 10 research and educational institutions.

Maine received funding from NSF EPSCoR to develop a program assisting small business interested in Small Business Innovation Research/Small business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR). Since 1999, SBIR/STTR has made 198 awards to companies located in 15 of Maine's 16 counties with a total value of $53.9 million.

How is EPSCoR administered in Maine? Each federal agency adopts its own rules and restrictions regarding eligibility and opportunities for funding under their EPSCoR-related programs. For example, according to the current program requirements, the State EPSCoR Committee selects one project per state every three to six years in compliance with the Department of Energy EPSCoR program requirements.

NSF EPSCoR advances science and engineering capabilities in eligible jurisdictions for discover, innovation and overall knowledge-based prosperity. Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Grant permits one award per state per five-year period. NSF EPSCoR proposal process is coordinated by the University of Maine, Orono with a separate review team that includes members of the State EPSCoR Committee. The Co-Funding Assistance operates internally within NSF and does not require any action on the part of the proposer. Contact Vicki Nemeth, director of research administration and Maine NSF EPSCoR at 207-581-3399 or Vicki.nemeth@umit.maine.edu.

NASA EPSCoR offers awards for research and infrastructure development. The proposal process is administered through the Maine Space Grant Consortium, www.msgc.org.