The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) in the state of South Carolina will enhance the research competitiveness of 59 targeted faculty working in 8 research areas at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. The eight research clusters are concentrated in the areas of biological sciences, materials science, and computational sciences. They are: (1) Molecular Genetics, Genome Mapping, and Gene Manipulation; (2) Program in Molecular and Population Biology; (3) High Speed Digital Neural Networks; (4) Global Research Change: Integrating Observational and Modeling Approaches; (5) Fibers and Micromechanics of their Composites; (6) Materials Science at the University of South Carolina; (7) Innovation Through Chemical Synthesis: Novel Molecules and Materials; and (8) Industrial Mathematics Initiative. South Carolina EPSCoR has three major objectives to effect permanent improvements in the State's education and research environment. They are: faculty development, human resource development, and bridging of State/Industry/University S&E interests. Strategies include the addition of ten new faculty, six classified support staff, support for 40 graduate students per year, and expansion of the State EPSCoR Committee. The State of South Carolina, its institutions, and its private sector have contributed over $6 million in non-federal matching funds to this three year EPSCoR effort.
