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 administered by the National Science Foundation through its Office of Integrative Activities. The program is part of the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, which aims to strengthen research competitiveness across eligible jurisdictions such as states, territories, and commonwealths. NSF, as an independent federal agency, funds research and education in science and engineering fields and uses this program to promote equitable distribution of research capacity nationwide. E-CORE specifically builds on prior EPSCoR initiatives by focusing on jurisdiction-wide collaboration and infrastructure development. The primary purpose of the E-CORE program is to enhance research ecosystems within EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions by supporting the development of sustainable research infrastructure cores. These cores may include research administration, facilities, STEM education pathways, workforce development, and community engagement. Projects are expected to align with jurisdiction-specific needs identified through data-driven assessments and strategic planning documents. The program emphasizes long-term sustainability, requiring that supported infrastructure and partnerships continue beyond the initial funding period and contribute to broader research and economic outcomes. Funding under this program is substantial, with an annual program budget of approximately 37500000 dollars supporting up to 15 awards. Each award may provide up to 10000000 dollars over an initial four-year period, with the possibility of an additional 8000000 dollars for a four-year renewal based on performance. Projects may span up to eight years total. There is no restriction on annual spending within the total award cap. Cost sharing is not permitted during the initial award period but becomes mandatory at 20 percent for renewal proposals. Funding is restricted to activities within EPSCoR jurisdictions, and funds may not be allocated to collaborators outside those jurisdictions except as unfunded partners. Eligibility is limited to a defined set of organizations operating within EPSCoR jurisdictions. These include accredited institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, state and jurisdictional government entities, and tribal governments. Proposals must be multi-organizational, involving a lead organization and additional partners that collectively represent a jurisdiction-wide research network. Principal investigators must hold at least a 50 percent appointment within an eligible organization. Organizations currently leading active E-CORE or RII Track-1 awards are generally ineligible to submit new proposals unless those awards are in their final year. The application process requires submission of a full proposal through either Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide requirements. No letters of intent or preliminary proposals are required. Applications must include a detailed project description outlining jurisdictional needs, selected infrastructure cores, execution plans, evaluation strategies, and sustainability plans. Additional required components include a budget and justification, participant and organization lists, and a jurisdictional science and technology plan. Proposals are evaluated using NSF merit review criteria, including intellectual merit and broader impacts, as well as program-specific considerations such as alignment with jurisdictional needs and effectiveness of collaboration. The application deadline for the current cycle is July 15, 2025, with recurring deadlines set for the third Tuesday in July annually thereafter. Proposals must be submitted by 5 pm local time of the submitting organization. NSF typically completes its review process within approximately six months after submission, after which applicants are notified of award decisions. Funded projects begin with a four-year performance period and may apply for renewal in the third year of the award. Program contacts include multiple NSF program officers, each available via telephone and email for inquiries related to the solicitation.

Ensure strong alignment with jurisdiction needs and science and technology plan; demonstrate sustainable research infrastructure beyond funding period; build meaningful multi organizational collaborations