Montana NSF EPSCoR is a Montana University System (MUS) program funded by the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The program supports strategic, multi‑year research projects that expand the state’s STEM capacity. Each five‑year cycle concentrates resources on priority research areas. As scientific and societal needs evolve, the program adapts its focus to strengthen infrastructure and accelerate progress across Montana.
NSF EPSCoR aims to strengthen the research competitiveness of participating states and territories. The program builds STEM capacity by investing in people, infrastructure, and long‑term research priorities. These investments help jurisdictions develop the expertise and tools they need to excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Montana NSF EPSCoR collaborates with institutions across the Montana University System, including seven tribal colleges. It also works with partners in business, government, and non‑profit organizations. With offices at the University of Montana and Montana State University, the program develops and manages research projects that benefit the entire state. These partnerships help ensure that research outcomes support all Montanans and promote inclusive STEM education and workforce development.
NSF created the EPSCoR program in 1978, and Montana joined in 1980 as one of the first five participating states. Since then, Montana NSF EPSCoR has expanded the state’s research capacity and competitiveness. It has also supported innovative education efforts that prepare Montana’s future STEM workforce while connecting scientific discoveries to real‑world solutions.
The current RII Track‑1 project is SMART FIRES (Sensors, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence in Real‑Time Fire Science). This five‑year, $20 million partnership brings together researchers from Montana State University, the University of Montana, Montana Technological University, Salish Kootenai College, Little Big Horn College, and Flathead Valley Community College. The project studies how prescribed fire is used, how it affects communities, and how advanced sensing technologies can improve fire science. The team is led by PI Dr. Robert Walker (MSU) and co‑PIs Dr. Libby Metcalf (UM), Dr. Joseph Shaw (MSU), and Dr. Lu Hu (UM).
NSF EPSCoR strengthens Montana’s STEM ecosystem by investing in research talent, infrastructure, and innovation. The Montana Science and Technology Committee (MSTC) selects project topics through a competitive process to ensure they address long‑term statewide needs. As a result, the program helps improve Montana’s overall research and development competitiveness and supports broader workforce development.
The Montana Science and Technology Committee (MSTC) oversees Montana NSF EPSCoR, under the leadership of MUS Interim Deputy Commissioner Joe Thiel. The state’s 2022 Science and Technology Plan guides project selection and emphasizes research areas that have long‑term relevance and strong potential to enhance Montana’s R&D competitiveness. Because of this strategic approach, proposals focus on compelling statewide challenges and opportunities for lasting impact.
