The National Science Foundation announced on March 25 the award of an EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) grant to a partnership of Delaware's institutions of higher education. EPSCoR is the NSF Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. The grant consists of $6 million from NSF plus $3 million in matching funds from the State of Delaware for a total of $9 million over a three year period starting March 1, 2005.

The grant is a critical component of Delaware's strategic thrust in the life sciences and biotechnology, and focuses on building inter- and intra-institutional, interdisciplinary research capability with a focus on Complex Environmental Systems. The partners in the grant include the University of Delaware/ Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Delaware State University, Wesley College and Delaware Technical & Community College. The Delaware Biotechnology Institute has lead responsibility for the program.

The environmental theme was chosen based on its relevance to Delaware's science and technology needs, the potential to contribute broadly to the national research agenda and the value it will bring to the research and education missions of the four participating institutions. Program components include research, outreach, ethics and public policy and economic development.

RII Program Summary

RII Program Description

AAAS External Review Panel

RII Partners

University of Delaware/ Delaware Biotechnology Institute

Delaware State University

Wesley College

Delaware Technical & Community College