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Limited Submission Notice: NSF EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems (E-CORE)

Sponsor

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Summary

The EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems (E-CORE) supports jurisdictions in building significant and sustainable research capacity and research infrastructure for targeted areas of focus, referred to as “cores”, that underlie a jurisdiction’s research ecosystem leading to innovation that advances fundamental knowledge, generates use-inspired products, and ultimately cultivates beneficial impacts for a jurisdiction.

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. 

For more information, view the full NSF 25-523 EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems (E-CORE) solicitation.

Award

Up to $10 million for four (4) years (and an optional renewal project award of up to $8 million for an additional four years).

Limited Submission Requirements and Timeline

One (1) proposal per institution is permitted. 

White Paper Process: Only proposals approved by the Division of Research and Economic Development may be submitted to this program. For such approval, PIs must first submit a white paper to limitedsubmissions@boisestate.edu by 4 pm on January 31, 2025.

If you are considering submitting a white paper, please email limitedsubmissions@boisestate.edu with your intent to submit so that we may garner interest in this opportunity ahead of white paper submissions.

Your white paper should be 2-3 pages, follow the structure of the provided template, and describe:

  • The goals and vision of the E-CORE project and how it aligns with NSF EPSCoR goals and Idaho’s Science and Technology (S&T) plan.
  • The targeted cores to advance research and development competitiveness of Idaho’s research ecosystem.
  • A vision and plans for fostering a culture of reciprocal collaboration that ensures the participation of all individuals, communities, Tribal Nations, and organization types in the E-CORE project. 
  • The management plan and how the E-CORE project will serve as a connector of research and education activities across the state. 
  • Collaborations and/or partnerships, indicating which are anticipated subrecipients.

White papers will be evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Clearly defined goals and vision that are in alignment with EPSCoR goals and Idaho’s S&T plan.
  • All cores are well justified to meet the needs of Idaho and advance the research and education ecosystem.
  • Demonstrates a clear plan for reciprocal collaboration and a project that embodies broadening participation throughout all activities. 
  • Demonstrates a reasonable plan for forming a visionary and effective leadership team and management plan. 
  • To what extent are the collaborations/partnerships appropriate to support the goals of the project.

Key Submission Dates

  • January 31, 2025 by 4 pm – White paper due to limitedsubmissions@boisestate.edu
  • February 17, 2025  – Anticipated date applicants will be notified of approval to advance toward full submission
  • July 8, 2025 – All final proposal documents due to OSP
  • July 15, 2025 – Full proposal due to NSF

Important Notes on Sponsor Requirements

  • PIs must hold at least 50% appointments in eligible organizations within an EPSCoR jurisdiction.
  • An individual may serve as PI or co-PI on only one RII Track-1 award, E-CORE submission, or E-CORE award at any given time (unless an existing RII Track-1 or E-CORE award is in its final year, or in a no-cost extension, and has not been selected for renewal project award), but may serve as senior personnel, or in roles other than PI or co-PI, on any number of E-CORE submissions or awards.

NOTE: Please send all inquiries and submissions for Limited Submission opportunities to limitedsubmissions@boisestate.edu.