January 23, 2021
Table of Contents
NSF EPSCoR IMPACT IN MONTANA (2011–2021)
Building Montana’s Research Capacity
Since 1980, NSF EPSCoR has helped Montana strengthen research competitiveness, grow the STEM workforce, and connect scientific discoveries to economic and community impacts.
Impact highlights include:
- $78 million in grants awarded
- $14.4 million in co-funding secured
- 394 peer-reviewed publications
- 30 new faculty hires
- Strong return on investment across multiple NSF EPSCoR Track-1 awards
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
CREWS: Consortium for Research on Environmental Water Systems
Researchers use advanced technologies, including drone-based hyperspectral imaging, to study water quality, aquatic ecosystems, algal blooms, and watershed health across Montana.
Research focuses on:
- Environmental water systems
- Water quality monitoring
- River and watershed science
- Remote sensing and drone technology
- Aquatic ecosystem health
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Innovation and Commercialization Internship Program
Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers explore entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and the commercial applications of scientific research.
Featured project:
- Development of a fisheries data-sharing platform connecting anglers, scientists, and resource managers
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
University of Montana spectrUM Discovery Area
Montana’s hands-on science center engages approximately 100,000 visitors annually through museum exhibits, mobile science programs, educator training, and statewide STEM outreach.
Programs include:
- Rural and tribal community outreach
- Distance learning initiatives
- Educator professional development
- Interactive science exhibits
- Public engagement in STEM
Montana Girls STEM Collaborative
A statewide network supporting girls and underrepresented youth through STEM education, mentorship, coding, engineering, citizen science, and career exploration opportunities.
Impact highlights:
- More than 1,000 youth participants
- Hundreds of educators and adult mentors engaged
- Statewide STEM partnerships and programming
ADDITIONAL NSF EPSCoR INVESTMENTS IN MONTANA
Montana researchers and institutions continue to leverage EPSCoR support through additional competitive awards that expand research, education, and workforce development opportunities.
Current awards include:
- CIRCLES
- NSF EPSCoR RII Track-2 projects
- NSF EPSCoR RII Track-4 projects
- More than $15 million in additional EPSCoR funding
