About Nebraska EPSCoR
EPSCoR stands for Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research: a National Science Foundation (NSF) program, created by Congress in 1979 to strengthen research in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and education infrastructure. IDeA is a similar program established by the National Institutes of Health in 1991 for biomedical fields. EPSCoR/IDeA programs boost the nation's opportunities in STEM; states that receive a disproportionately low amount of federal research dollars can be designated as jurisdictions eligible for EPSCoR/IDeA funding.
Nebraska EPSCoR competes for merit-based federal funding that supports research infrastructure and capacity building projects including STEM outreach. We contribute to the state's workforce development through educational and research opportunities for K-16 students, graduate students and junior faculty, and spur economic development through partnerships with private industry. Nebraska EPSCoR is part of the University of Nebraska Office of the President and is housed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Nebraska Innovation Campus.
Mission
The mission of Nebraska's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and Institutional Development Award (IDeA) is to
- build the state's research capacity and competitiveness,
- invest in workforce development, especially among under-represented groups, and
- foster public private partnerships in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (the STEM fields), as well as biomedical research.
People
A 17-member, governor-appointed state committee guides Nebraska EPSCoR’s policies and priorities. On the committee are leaders from Nebraska's major research institutions, industry, and state government.
Nebraska EPSCoR staff interacts with federal agencies and state institutions to implement strategies and policies established by the State Committee, and conducts the education and outreach elements of its NSF awards.
