What is the mission of the NSF EPSCoR program?
The mission of NSF EPSCoR is to enhance the research competitiveness of targeted jurisdictions (state, territory or commonwealth) by strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) capacity and capability through a diverse portfolio of investments from talent development to local infrastructure.
What is Montana NSF EPSCoR?
Montana NSF EPSCoR is a Montana University System (MUS) program funded by the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). It supports strategic, multi-year research projects that build Montana’s capacity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Each five-year cycle focuses resources on priority research areas, strengthens infrastructure, and adapts to emerging scientific and societal needs.
Who are Montana NSF EPSCoR’s partners?
We work collaboratively across the state's higher education institutions, including 7 tribal colleges, and with partners from business, government, and non-profit organizations. With offices at the University of Montana and Montana State University, MT NSF EPSCoR is a program designed to develop, manage, and sustain projects over time. These collaborations ensure that research outcomes benefit all Montanans and support inclusive STEM education and workforce development.
When was Montana NSF EPSCoR established?
Following the establishment of NSF EPSCoR in 1978, Montana joined in 1980 as one of five initial states to participate. Over the years Montana NSF EPSCoR has played an important role in enhancing research capacity and competitiveness for Montana, supporting innovative education for development of Montana's STEM workforce, and linking science outcomes to business opportunities and solutions for pressing issues.
What is the current Montana NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 project?
RII Track-1 projects are the core of our work focus. SMART FIRES (Sensors, Machine Learning, and Artifical Intelligence in Real Time Fire Science) is a five-year, $20M NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 partnership between Montana State University, University of Montana, Montana Technological University, Salish Kootenai College, Little Bighorn College, Flathead Valley Community College, and business and government partners to address knowledge gaps associated with prescribed fire usage and to understand prescribed fire’s impact on individuals and communities. The PI is Dr. Robert Walker (MSU), and the co-PIs are Dr. Libby Metcalf (UM), Dr. Joseph Shaw (MSU), and Dr. Lu Hu (UM).
How does NSF EPSCoR help Montana?
NSF EPSCoR strengthens Montana’s STEM ecosystem by investing in research talent, infrastructure, and innovation. Project topics are selected competitively by the Montana Science and Technology Committee (MSTC) based on their long-term relevance and potential to improve the state’s research and development (R&D) competitiveness.
What is the current NFS ESPCoR RII Track-1 Project?
RII Track-1 projects are the core of our work focus. SMART FIRES (Sensors, Machine Learning, and Artifical Intelligence in Real Time Fire Science) is a five-year, $20M NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 partnership between Montana State University, University of Montana, Montana Technological University, Salish Kootenai College, Little Bighorn College, Flathead Valley Community College, and business and government partners to address knowledge gaps associated with prescribed fire usage and to understand prescribed fire’s impact on individuals and communities. The PI is Dr. Robert Walker (MSU), and the co-PIs are Dr. Libby Metcalf (UM), Dr. Joseph Shaw (MSU), and Dr. Lu Hu (UM).
What is the Montana State Science and Technology Plan?
Montana NSF EPSCoR is governed by the Montana Science and Technology Committee (MSTC) which is led by Joe Thiel the MUS Interim Deputy Commissioner, Academic, Research and Student Affairs. The EPSCoR program is guided by the state Science and Technology plan (2022). Research areas for project proposals are selected on a competitive basis by the MSTC as (1) being one of the most compelling long-term issues for Montana; and (2) having the best potential to improve the future research and development (R&D) competitiveness of the State.
