EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems (E-CORE)

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems (E-CORE), administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a federal funding initiative aimed at enhancing research ecosystems in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions. EPSCoR, the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, is aligned with NSF’s mission of promoting nationwide scientific advancement. Through this program, NSF supports strategic collaborations among academic institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private industry with the goal of developing jurisdiction-wide, sustainable research capacity and infrastructure. This effort emphasizes strengthening regional competitiveness in science and technology through the development of research infrastructure “cores” identified by local needs. The E-CORE initiative targets a jurisdiction’s research ecosystem, defined as the interconnected network of people, institutions, stakeholders, and infrastructure that collectively contribute to advancing knowledge and producing practical outcomes. Projects must focus on building or strengthening one or more key infrastructure “cores,” such as research administration, STEM and higher education pathways, research facilities and cyberinfrastructure, early-career investigator support, technology transfer, and more. The ultimate goal is to create long-term, self-sustaining improvements in research capacity that align with each jurisdiction's unique scientific and economic priorities. E-CORE projects are expected to show not only strategic impact but also sustainability plans that extend beyond the award period. The program will allocate up to $37.5 million annually to fund up to 15 new E-CORE awards, with each project lasting four years and eligible for a renewal of an additional four years. The initial maximum award per project is $10 million, and renewal awards may be funded up to $8 million. Award funding is contingent upon annual reporting and performance against a strategic plan. NSF explicitly states that no-cost extensions will be rare and only approved under exceptional circumstances. Each year of funding is conditional on demonstrating satisfactory progress. Funding is limited to one E-CORE or RII Track-1 award per organization at any given time unless an existing project is in its final year or under a non-renewable no-cost extension. Only certain types of organizations and individuals are eligible to apply. An organization may submit only one E-CORE proposal as the lead, though jurisdictions can submit multiple proposals. A Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI may be involved in only one E-CORE or RII Track-1 project at a time, except in circumstances where their existing project is concluding. These limits help ensure broad access to funding across jurisdictions and reduce potential duplication of effort. Applications must adhere strictly to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) applicable at the time of submission. The next deadline for full proposals is July 21, 2026, and the program continues on an annual cycle with proposals due the third Tuesday in July. Proposals must be submitted by 5 PM local time of the submitting organization. The opportunity is recurring and not offered on a rolling basis. As such, applicants are encouraged to begin preparations well in advance. NSF also notes the release of revised research security policies as of July 10, 2025, which include new training and certification requirements. Program officers listed as contacts for this initiative include Chinonye Nnakwe Whitley (cwhitley@nsf.gov, 703-292-8458), Benjamin J. McCall (bjmccall@nsf.gov, 703-292-7916), and several others. These officials are based within the Office of Integrative Activities (OD/OIA) at NSF. Applicants are encouraged to consult with these program contacts during proposal development to ensure alignment with E-CORE priorities and solicitation requirements.