NASA EPSCoR in Iowa

(Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research)


Public Law 102-58, passed in 1992, authorized the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate NASA EPSCoR to strengthen the research capability of jurisdictions that have not in the past participated equably in competitive aerospace research activities. The goal of NASA EPSCoR is to provide seed funding that will enable jurisdictions to develop an academic research enterprise directed toward long-term, self-sustaining, nationally-competitive capabilities in aerospace and aerospace-related research. This capability will, in turn, contribute to the jurisdiction's economic viability and expand the nation's base for aerospace research and technology development. Since its inception, NASA EPSCoR has been closely linked to the NASA Space Grant Program.

Based on the availability of funding, NASA will continue to help jurisdictions achieve these goals through NASA EPSCoR. Funded jurisdictions will be selected through a merit-based, peer-reviewed competition.

The following are the specific objectives of NASA EPSCoR:

  • Contribute to and promote the development of research infrastructure in NASA EPSCoR jurisdictions in areas of strategic importance to the NASA mission;
  • Improve the capabilities of the NASA EPSCoR jurisdictions to gain support from sources outside NASA EPSCoR;
  • Develop partnerships between NASA research assets, academic institutions, and industry;
  • Contribute to the overall research infrastructure, science and technology capabilities, higher education, and/or economic development of the jurisdiction; and
  • Work in close coordination with the NASA Space Grant program to improve the environment for science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education in the jurisdiction.

Part 1: Research Infrastructure Development (RID)

2010 Iowa NASA EPSCoR RFP.pdf   and   Proposal Data Summary Sheet.xls


Part 2: Research Awards

Each year of eligibility, Iowa can submit up to two research proposals to NASA for funding.

In the 2009 cycle, Iowa won one award of $700,708:
Multifunctional Polymer Matrix Composites at Iowa State University
Dr. Michael Kessler - Science PI


In the 2010 cycle, Iowa won one award of $649,612:
Agricultural Soil Erosion and Carbon Cycle Observations in Iowa: Gaps Threaten Climate Mitigating Policies at University of Iowa
Dr. Athanasios Papanicolaou - Science PI


For reference:


Maintained by:   Carmen J. Fuchs, Program Coordinator

Updated: 23 July 2010