EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems
Limited submission
EPSCoR program fosters collaborations to enhance research infrastructure and competitiveness, driving long-term improvements in scientific progress nationwide.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: July 20, 2027 (Full proposal) | Rolling (Planning proposals) | Year 3 (Renewal submission)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10 million over four years; optional renewal up to $8 million over four additional years
Summary: E-CORE supports sustainable research infrastructure and jurisdiction-wide networks that strengthen research competitiveness in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions.
Key Information: Lead organizations must be in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions; PIs must hold at least 50% appointments at eligible organizations.
Description
NSF’s EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems (E-CORE), administered through the Office of Integrative Activities, supports long-term improvements in research infrastructure and capacity in eligible states, territories, and commonwealths. Multi-organizational projects build targeted infrastructure “cores” based on evidence of jurisdictional needs, connecting researchers, trainees, organizations, and community stakeholders across a jurisdiction.
Supported areas include research administration, facilities and cyberinfrastructure, K–12 and higher education pathways, early-career development, broadening participation, workforce development, national and global partnerships, community engagement, technology transfer, economic development, and use-inspired research. Every project must include an Administrative Core. Projects should emphasize depth in a limited number of cores, align with EPSCoR goals and jurisdictional priorities, and sustain infrastructure beyond the award period using non-EPSCoR RII funding.
