EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems

Summary

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is soliciting applications under the EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Program, specifically the "Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems" (CORE) track. This program is designed to strengthen research infrastructure and capacity in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions (states and territories that historically receive a smaller share of federal R&D funding). The solicitation aims to foster collaborative efforts that optimize research ecosystems, likely through partnerships among academic institutions, industry, and government entities. The opportunity has a notably long open window, running from December 2024 through July 2026.

What they want

How they evaluate

Risks & flags

• Extremely long response window (~19 months) may indicate a rolling or phased solicitation rather than a standard competitive RFP — applicants should verify specific deadline tracks within the solicitation.
• Minimal descriptive detail provided in the synopsis; full program solicitation (NSF 25-523) should be reviewed for complete requirements, eligibility restrictions, and funding caps.
• EPSCoR eligibility is jurisdictionally restricted — only applicants from qualifying EPSCoR states/territories may apply, which inherently narrows the competitive pool.