Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR): Workshop Opportunities

The Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR): Workshop Opportunities (EPS-WO), managed by the Office of Integrative Activities at the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a funding initiative designed to support the development of research infrastructure and competitiveness in designated EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions. The initiative reflects NSF’s mission to foster scientific progress across the United States by enabling regional and national scientific advancement, with a strong emphasis on inclusive participation and sustainable development in science and engineering. The EPS-WO program specifically supports the planning and hosting of workshops that advance the goals of NSF EPSCoR. These workshops are intended to catalyze collaborative research efforts across jurisdictions, focusing on regional or national themes that align with NSF priorities. Workshops may explore new scientific topics, strengthen community networks, develop emerging research areas, or create center-level partnerships. Successful proposals must include plans for broad participation, especially from underrepresented groups and institutions, and a clear pathway for post-workshop dissemination and impact evaluation. Workshops are eligible for funding up to $200,000 for a one-year project period, with a total anticipated funding of $1.5 million for the fiscal year and up to 20 awards expected annually. While workshops can be virtual, in-person, or hybrid, proposals exceeding $200,000 must be submitted outside this solicitation under special guidance and approval. Proposals are accepted year-round, but submission of a Concept Outline followed by an invitation from a Program Officer is required before a full proposal can be submitted. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education (both PhD- and non-PhD-granting) and non-profit U.S. organizations within EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions, including Tribal Nations recognized under federal law. Proposals must be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov and must conform to the guidelines of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. No cost-sharing is allowed, and proposals must include a detailed agenda, speaker list, dissemination strategy, and an evaluation plan. Application requirements include a Concept Outline of up to five pages, outlining the rationale, participant inclusivity, budget, timeline, and proposed outcomes. Full proposals should integrate feedback from NSF, adhere to guidelines for conference proposals, and explicitly align with EPSCoR’s goals. The evaluation of proposals considers NSF’s criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Proposals will be reviewed by NSF staff and external reviewers based on these standards. For assistance or inquiries, applicants may contact Pinhas Ben-Tzvi at pbentzvi@nsf.gov or (703) 292-8246, and Benjamin J. McCall at bjmccall@nsf.gov or (703) 292-7916. The proposal development process ideally begins at least 12 months before the proposed workshop date, allowing ample time for feedback and review.