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The Office of Integrative Activities' Research Capacity and Competitiveness (RCC) section supports the development and enhancement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research capacity by helping individuals and teams develop abilities to perform research effectively, efficiently and in a sustainable manner. RCC focuses on:
- Advancing progress in broadening participation and developing capacity for creation of a more integrated and engaged research enterprise.
- Supporting research and innovation capacity in U.S. states and territories through the building of intellectual bridges within and across institutions and organizations of all types.
- Providing pathways for the exploration of ideas that are intellectually risky and potentially transformative in scientific and societal impact.
- Facilitating education and training programs at all levels to ensure the availability of an inclusive and capable STEM workforce.
- Supporting development and facilitation of multi-institutional sector and community partnerships.
About RCC
The Research Capacity and Competitiveness Section supports the development and enhancement of STEM research capacity and competitiveness of individuals, institutions, states, territories and regions historically underserved by the U.S. National Science Foundation's (NSF) research and development funding.
RCC provides grants that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. The section is home to NSF's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities – Excellence in Research (HBCU - EiR) programs.
RCC was formerly named the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Section.
What we support
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)
EPSCoR focuses on enhancing the research competitiveness of targeted jurisdictions (state, territory or commonwealth) by strengthening STEM capacity and capability through a diverse portfolio of investments: from talent development to local infrastructure.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Excellence in Research (HBCU-EiR)
HBCU-EiR supports sustainable improvement in research and development capacity. It creates stronger connections between HBCU researchers and NSF by funding research projects aligned with NSF's research programs.
Our staff
Dr. Sandra Richardson
RCC Section Head
Dr. Pinhas Ben-Tzvi
EPSCoR Program Director
Dr. Lisa Cliggett
EPSCoR Program Director
Dr. Jose Colom-Ustariz
EPSCoR Program Director
Dr. Andrea Johnson
EPSCoR Program Director
Dr. Casonya Johnson
EPSCoR and HBCU-EiR Program Director
Dr. Hongmei Luo
EPSCoR Program Director
Dr. Benjamin McCall
EPSCoR Program Director
Dr. Chinonye (Chi-Chi) Nnakwe Whitley
EPSCoR Program Director
Dr. Jeanne Small
EPSCoR Program Director
Dr. JD Swanson
EPSCoR Program Director
Dr. Dina Stroud
HBCU-EiR Program Director
Ms. Yolanda Allen
EPSCoR Program Analyst
Ms. Tori Jordan
EPSCoR Program Specialist
Ms. Elizabeth Lawrence
EPSCoR Senior Program Analyst
Contact us
If you have questions for the RCC Team, please use the button below.