EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems (E-CORE) NSF 25-523

Sponsor: NSF EPSCoR
Internal Deadline: 03/07/2025
Institutional Submission Limit: 1
Sponsor Deadline: 07/15/2025
Program Website

E-CORE projects are expected to improve a jurisdiction’s R&D competitiveness by creating a coordinated jurisdiction-wide, interconnected network to connect core components of a jurisdiction’s research ecosystem, and by providing opportunities for researchers and stakeholders to meaningfully connect and engage within it.

Based on the evidence-based and self-identified needs of a jurisdiction, the types of cores supported by E-CORE may include (but are not limited to) development, enhancement, and/or ensuring the sustainability of: research administration; research facilities and infrastructure (including cyberinfrastructure); STEM education (K-12) pathways; higher education pathways; early career investigator pathways; broadening participation; workforce development; national and global partnerships; community engagement and outreach; technology transfer; economic development; and use-inspired research pathways.

E-CORE projects must be designed to support the sustainability of the research infrastructure cores beyond the award period with non-EPSCoR RII funds. Projects will also support the development and growth of new jurisdictional networks, and the leveraging of existing jurisdictional networks, to drive demonstrable and sustainable impacts.

E-CORE submissions should be multi-organizational, with a lead organization and additional collaborating partner(s), which may include academic and non-academic organizations. Collaborations must be indicative of building or developing cores within the jurisdiction and an interconnected jurisdiction-wide network that is able to link research efforts to individuals in a jurisdiction’s research ecosystem.

Join the EPSCoR Live! session on the new E-CORE Solicitation: Wednesday, January 22 at 4pm ET (registration link)

 

Submission Process

Limited submissions MUST be coordinated with the Office of the Vice President for Research.

If interested in applying for this opportunity, please combine the following items into a single PDF and email to resdev@mailbox.sc.edu by 5pm on the INTERNAL DEADLINE above:

• Cover page with grant program name & number, your project title, PI (name, department/unit, & email), and list of co-PIs/key collaborators (names and department/unit of all Participating Organizations)
• a max 3-page project abstract addressing key solicitation components/criteria as well as the following (details under section VI.A.2 Additional Solicitation Specific Review Criteria):
• Connection and potential impact of E-CORE to address both jurisdictional needs and research capacity (significant and sustainable), as well as EPSCoR Mission and Goals (note E-CORE proposals must align with all five EPSCoR program goals)
• Support of broadening participation. Evidence that there is a culture of reciprocal collaboration and that there is mutually beneficial collaboration across different organization types and sectors (e.g., academia, industry, and government)
• Brief discussion of project management, leadership, and partnerships