EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems (E-CORE) is an initiative of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), designed to enhance the research competitiveness of eligible EPSCoR jurisdictions. The program aims to strengthen STEM capacity through diverse investments in talent development and infrastructure. EPSCoR supports partnerships among academic institutions, government agencies, industry, and non-profits to drive sustainable improvements in research infrastructure and to increase participation in the scientific enterprise across the country. The E-CORE initiative focuses on fostering jurisdiction-wide networks of research and educational institutions to build and sustain targeted "cores" of research infrastructure. These cores can include a wide range of elements, such as STEM education pathways, workforce development programs, research facilities, community engagement initiatives, and national or global partnerships. Projects must demonstrate an evidence-based need for the selected cores and articulate a clear, data-driven vision for enhancing the jurisdiction's research ecosystem. Sustainability plans for core activities beyond the funding period are essential. Eligibility is limited to accredited institutions of higher education, nonprofit U.S. research organizations, jurisdictional/state governments, and tribal governments operating within EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions. Proposals must involve multi-organizational collaboration and can only be submitted by entities within eligible jurisdictions. Lead organizations currently managing active E-CORE or RII Track-1 awards may not submit unless their existing award is in its final phase and will not be renewed. There are also limits on how many proposals individuals and organizations may submit or lead at one time. Applications must include a Project Summary, Project Description, and detailed Execution Plan with SMART goals, a Logic Model or Theory of Change, evaluation mechanisms, and a Management Plan. Applicants are also required to submit a Jurisdictional Science and Technology Plan, lists of participants and participating organizations, and documentation confirming coordination with the Jurisdictional Steering Committee. The proposals should be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov by July 15, 2025, and annually thereafter on the third Tuesday in July. Up to 15 cooperative agreement awards will be granted annually, with total funding availability up to $37.5 million. Each project may request up to $10 million for an initial four-year period, with a potential renewal for an additional four years capped at $8 million. While cost-sharing is not allowed for the initial award, it is mandatory for renewal proposals at a rate of 20% of the requested NSF funding. Projects will be evaluated on criteria including alignment with EPSCoR goals, jurisdictional impact, sustainability, leadership capacity, and commitment to broadening participation. Points of contact for the program include multiple NSF program officers such as Chinonye Nnakwe Whitley, Benjamin J. McCall, and others. Applicants are encouraged to consult the program solicitation for detailed proposal preparation guidelines and to ensure adherence to NSF’s policies and procedures.