The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) in the state of Alabama will enhance the research competitiveness of approximately 70 investigators working in five research clusters: (1) Coastal Marine Sciences; (2) Land-Water Interfaces; (3) Modification of Material Surfaces; (4) Tailored Interfaces in Composite Materials; and (5) Interactions Between Galaxies and Their Environments. Six universities will participate: Auburn University; Alabama A&M University; University of Alabama, Birmingham; University of Alabama, Huntsville; and University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. The state's research base will be strengthened by adding tenure- track positions in materials science and biology; conducting an Agency Visitation Program will improve proposal success rates by providing faculty travel funds for visits to federal program officers; and implementing an Instrumentation Matching Grant fund. In addition, The Alabama Technology Transfer Council will be established to develop improved relationships with the private sector. Active participants in EPSCoR governance will include key university administrators, state government officers, and influential members of the private sector. Over the three-year award period the State of Alabama and institutions will contribute $19 million to ensure the success of the EPSCoR effort.
