EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Research Incubators for STEM Excellence

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Research Incubators for STEM Excellence (E-RISE), administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), is designed to enhance research capacity and competitiveness in eligible jurisdictions through strategic investments. NSF’s Office of Integrative Activities oversees this initiative, which promotes the development of jurisdiction-wide research ecosystems in STEM. E-RISE is a response to legislative and study mandates, including the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, and seeks to build sustainable networks of researchers and institutions addressing scientific topics of regional and national relevance. E-RISE aims to incubate high-quality, hypothesis-driven or problem-based research that aligns with each jurisdiction’s Science and Technology (S&T) Plan. The program promotes collaboration among academic and non-academic sectors, workforce development, integration of research with societal impacts, and sustainability planning. Funded projects must include a clearly defined scientific topical area and demonstrate alignment with jurisdictional goals. Key components include engagement with Emerging Research Institutions, the inclusion of a networking/partnership manager, and compliance with jurisdictional EPSCoR requirements such as an approved S&T Plan and an active Jurisdictional Steering Committee. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education (both PhD-granting and non-PhD-granting), non-profit organizations, Tribal governments, and other entities with a permanent administrative presence in the U.S. or its territories. Eligibility is restricted to institutions in EPSCoR jurisdictions. Organizations currently leading E-RISE or RII Track-1 awards may not apply unless their awards are in the final year or under a non-renewable no-cost extension. Proposals must be collaborative and jurisdiction-wide, with only one submission permitted per organization as the lead. Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with NSF's Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Required submission components include detailed project descriptions with specific goals, evaluation plans, biographical sketches, budget justifications, and documentation of collaboration and jurisdictional alignment. Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required. Budgets must cover a four-year period, up to a total of $8 million, with a potential three-year renewal of up to $4.5 million. Matching is not required for initial awards but is mandatory for renewal proposals. Proposals will be evaluated based on NSF’s merit review criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. Additional criteria include the potential to enhance jurisdictional research capacity, develop a skilled workforce, and foster sustainable, collaborative research infrastructure. Reviewers will also assess the quality of management plans, execution strategies, and societal impacts. Awardees must provide annual and final reports, participate in NSF’s EPSCoR Data Outcomes Collection System (EDOCS), and engage in strategic planning and evaluation activities throughout the funding period. For more information or questions, applicants may contact NSF via email at EPSCoR-RISE@nsf.gov or by phone at (703) 292-2658. The next full proposal deadline is August 12, 2025, with future deadlines on the second Tuesday of August annually. Applications open as early as the solicitation publication date, December 13, 2024. This grant is a continuing funding opportunity and part of NSF's efforts to promote nationwide scientific progress.

Ensure alignment with the jurisdiction’s S&T plan and involve a networking/partnership manager; collaboration across institutions is critical; evaluation must include an independent assessor.