The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems, under funding opportunity number 25-523, is a grant opportunity provided by the National Science Foundation. This program supports the development of sustainable and interconnected research infrastructure cores within eligible EPSCoR jurisdictions, including states, territories, and commonwealths. The initiative aims to enhance research capacity, foster collaborations, and improve long-term competitiveness within these jurisdictions.

The estimated total program funding is thirty-seven million five hundred thousand dollars. While no specific award ceiling or floor is mentioned, awards will be determined based on the scope and scale of the proposed projects. Applications are due no later than July 15, 2025, and there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for eligibility. The program focuses on building and strengthening the interconnected components of a jurisdiction's research ecosystem, ensuring alignment with long-term needs and priorities.

Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, both PhD-granting and non-PhD-granting, located within the United States, its territories, or possessions. Multi-campus systems with distinct campuses that meet certain criteria may also apply. Nonprofit, non-degree-granting organizations such as museums, research laboratories, observatories, and professional societies that support national research or educational activities are eligible. State and jurisdictional governments, tribal governments, and Indigenous communities may also apply. Proposals must come from organizations within EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions, and lead organizations currently holding an active E-CORE or RII Track-1 award may not apply unless their award is in its final year or under a no-cost extension.

The E-CORE program focuses on enhancing jurisdiction-wide research capacity through the development of research infrastructure cores. These cores may include research administration, research facilities, cyberinfrastructure, STEM education pathways for K-12 and higher education, workforce development, broadening participation in STEM, early-career investigator support, technology transfer, community outreach, economic development, and use-inspired research pathways. The proposals must demonstrate clear evidence-based needs, plans for sustainability beyond the award period, and leverage existing connections to create new jurisdiction-wide partnerships.

Proposals should include multi-organizational collaborations involving both academic and non-academic institutions to ensure broad participation and engagement. The program encourages partnerships with emerging research institutions, defined as those with less than fifty million dollars in annual federal research expenditures. Collaborations with other EPSCoR jurisdictions, non-EPSCoR jurisdictions, and international entities are permitted if appropriately justified, though funding must remain within EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions.

The program aims to create sustainable impacts through integrated infrastructure development, workforce training, community partnerships, and enhanced research pathways. Projects must support long-term growth, innovation, and connectivity within a jurisdiction's research ecosystem. Proposals will be reviewed for alignment with program goals, evidence-based plans, sustainability, and the ability to build meaningful jurisdiction-wide networks.

Applicants are encouraged to review the full announcement in NSF Publication 25-523 for detailed requirements and guidance. For technical assistance or further information, applicants can contact NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.