NSF EPSCoR at the University of Montana in Missoula

The Montana NSF EPSCoR program has been instrumental in transforming UM and MSU into research-intensive universities that are nationally competitive. The fundamental principles of the Montana program have been to:

Have a realistic, long-term vision
Make appropriate strategic investments that emphasize the unique advantages present in the state
Invest in quality, especially in faculty hires
Be innovative

The 2001-2004 EPSCoR program succeeded in building competitive multidisciplinary groups at UM and MSU in targeted scientific areas. In this next phase (2004-2007), we propose four major scientific thrusts:

To enhance and develop a Center of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics with a concurrent PhD program at UM
To redirect/transform the MSU Engineering Research program to take advantage of the advances in the basic sciences at MSU
To create and develop a Center for Bioinspired Nanomaterials at MSU
To enhance and augment the Neuroscience research cluster groups at UM and MSU, thereby building the first intercampus PhD program.

A second tier initiative at UM is a science education support platform in ‘bioinformatics, proteomics and genomics.’ We further propose a broad range of scientific training programs including middle school (with Montana Tech), undergraduate and graduate students, scientific interns and faculty. We will support economic development via the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program in collaboration with the State of Montana and expand our commitment to the State of Montana through the creation of The Integrated Science Learning Experience Program (ISLE). We will continue to support diversity and grow our partnerships with other funding programs. We have continuing agreements and faculty hiring investments with tribal colleges, the Native American Center of Excellence (NACOE), Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP; assisting underrepresented groups) and PACE (NSF) program. We also will continue to develop our distinctive Undergraduate Summer Diversity Research program that builds bridges with predominantly minority colleges.

NON-COMPLIANCE & POSSIBLE PENALTY
Programs funded by UM NSF EPSCoR require that application forms, current and follow-up reports, grant submissions, and financial matters be given careful and timely attention. Reporting must be completed within 30 days following project award completion. Both the awardee being funded and the department chair or head are responsible for meeting all criteria outlined in the funding agreement and keeping compliant with the program objectives and fiscal responsibilities. It would be helpful for program participants to review the UM NSF EPSCoR guidelines that govern awards.

Non-compliance, failure to respond or providing insufficient or false responses within 30 days of project completion, may result in suspension of all future UM NSF EPSCoR funding for the awardee and host department or center.

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