The NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Basic Research Funding Opportunity for FY 2025 is designed to enhance research capabilities in regions that have historically received limited federal research funding. The program aims to strengthen the research infrastructure of institutions within eligible jurisdictions, enabling them to become more competitive in securing additional federal funding. EPSCoR fosters collaborations between government, academia, and industry to build research capacity in areas relevant to NASA’s mission.

The total available funding for this program is yet to be determined, but awards typically range between $100,000 and $1,000,000 over a period of one to three years, with the possibility of up to five years in some cases. The awards are provided through grants or cooperative agreements, depending on the nature of the involvement between NASA and the awardees. Jurisdictions eligible to participate in this program include states and territories with a history of underperformance in federal research funding. Institutions located within these areas are encouraged to apply.

The primary focus of the EPSCoR program is to support research initiatives that align with NASA's strategic objectives and research priorities. Proposals should address key areas such as aeronautics, space technology, science, or human exploration and operations. The aim is to develop innovative solutions to challenges within these areas, while simultaneously building the research infrastructure and expertise of the participating jurisdictions.

Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education located within EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions. Proposals must demonstrate a strong connection to NASA’s research priorities and should include plans for enhancing the research capabilities of the applicant institutions. Partnerships with NASA centers, industry, and other research institutions are strongly encouraged.

Proposals must be submitted by the deadline specified in the relevant appendix of the funding announcement. Applications will be evaluated based on their scientific merit, relevance to NASA’s mission, and the potential for building sustainable research capacity in the applicant’s region. Successful applicants will be notified within six to nine months of the submission deadline, and the awardees will be expected to submit regular reports on their progress.

This funding opportunity presents a significant chance for institutions in underfunded regions to increase their research capabilities and contribute to NASA’s mission. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult NASA’s EPSCoR website for additional information on eligibility criteria and submission guidelines【8†source】.