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EPSCoR Awards History |
EPSCoR Federal Programs
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.
EPSCoR was established by the
National Science Foundation (NSF) to identify, develop, and utilize a state's academic science and technology resources in a way that will support 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.
Maine has been awarded more than $52,000,000 from EPSCoR funds since FY2000:
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16 awards |
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from 6 federal agencies |
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12 Maine Research Institutions! |
Click for details.
Additionally, co-funding provided by the EPSCoR program in 2002 & 2003 allowed funding of
43 additional awards to
10 research and educational institutions, plus 2 SBIR awards to Maine companies.
Investments from the EPSCoR program have helped Maine become a leader, or at least gain ground, compared to other states, in several important indicators:
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Top 10 for federal funding and R&D activities in not-for-profit institutions; |
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Met the national average for federal R&D funding as a percent of GSP. |
How is EPSCoR administered in Maine? Each agency adopts its own rules and restrictions regarding eligibility and opportunities for funding under their EPSCoR-related programs. Generally, the State EPSCoR committee selects proposals to be submitted from Maine, typically up to 5 are allowed, based on criteria important to DEPSCoR and to building capacity in Maine. Pre-proposals must be submitted for review by the State EPSCoR committee, according to the current program requirements.
The DoD EPSCoR program (DEPSCoR) generally includes an annual solicitation. The State EPSCoR committee selects proposals to be submitted from Maine, typically up to 5 are allowed, based on criteria important to DEPSCoR and to building capacity in Maine. Pre-proposals must be submitted for review by the State EPSCoR committee, according to the current program requirements.
For more information on announcements and state pre-proposal RFP.
EPSCoR Contacts:
