Research Initiation Grant

The goal of the Montana NASA EPSCoR Research Initiation grant program is to help boost the research programs of Montana higher education faculty research in areas that match scientific and technical problems of importance to NASA, enabling them to compete successfully for regular NASA funding. 

Research Initiation Grants from the Montana NASA EPSCoR Program are intended to help junior faculty or faculty new to NASA research at Montana institutions develop nationally competitive research programs in areas of interest to NASA. In addition, the awards can assist in Montana's economic development in aerospace-related fields by strengthening existing Montana high-tech companies, seeking new connections between Montana faculty researchers and state industries, and building university research enterprises that will foster "spin-off" startup enterprises.

Montana NASA EPSCoR goals:

1. Bring the capabilities of Montana’s nationally competitive researchers to the attention of NASA.
2. Build infrastructure to enhance Montana’s capabilities and expertise in areas of importance to NASA, focusing on institutions of higher learning.
3. Use EPSCoR sponsored research to strengthen partnerships with Montana’s high-tech companies and drive the growth of Montana's aerospace-related economy.
4. Focus on building nationally prominent, competitive research groups at Montana's major universities while also providing collaborative opportunities to faculty members at smaller institutions.