The mission of Nebraska's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and Institutional Development Award (IDeA) is to build the state's research capacity and competitiveness, invest in workforce development, especially among under-represented groups, and foster public-private partnerships in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (the STEM fields), as well as biomedical research.
Learn MoreEPSCoR stands for Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research: a National Science Foundation (NSF) program, created by Congress in 1979, to strengthen research in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and education infrastructure. IDeA is a similar program established by the National Institutes of Health in 1991 for biomedical fields. EPSCoR/IDeA programs boost the nation's opportunities in STEM; states that receive a disproportionately low amount of federal research dollars can be designated as jurisdictions eligible for EPSCoR/IDeA funding.
Nebraska EPSCoR competes for merit-based federal funding that supports research infrastructure and capacity building projects including STEM outreach. We contribute to the state's workforce development through educational and research opportunities for K-16 students, graduate students and junior faculty, and spur economic development through partnerships with private industry. Nebraska EPSCoR is part of the University of Nebraska Office of the President and is housed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Nebraska Innovation Campus.
YNS is a program conducted by Nebraska EPSCoR, with a variety of opportunities for youth to learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) topics.
Our Nebraska Engineering, Science and Technology Internship Program (NESTIP) offers a cost-share for businesses that hire students as STEM interns.
Nebraska EPSCoR is guided by a 17-member State Committee, appointed by the governor, and it follows a Science and Technology Plan that is approved by the State Committee.
Learn MoreSince Nebraska EPSCoR began operating in 1991, the program has conducted a range of federally-funded projects benefiting the state.
View Past Projects