Cooperative Agreement 2412131

This federal Cooperative Agreement award of $186,100 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Integrative Activities (IA) program is aimed at strengthening Maine's research ecosystem and pathways through strategic capacity building. The project, titled "COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: E-CORE RII: STRENGTHENING MAINE'S RESEARCH ECOSYSTEM AND PATHWAYS THROUGH STRATEGIC CAPACITY BUILDING," has four synergistic cores that focus on advancing diversity, coordination, evaluation, reporting, growth, and sustainability in the state; addressing STEM worker shortages and broadening participation in Maine's research ecosystem; investing in early career faculty and strengthening R&D through seed grants; and generating new knowledge about research translation and impact. The award will fund initiatives such as a new indigenous science program, professional development for educators, and research and work-readiness experiences for students and researchers. This project has the potential to enhance the competitiveness of Maine's research landscape and serve as a model for strengthening rural research ecosystems.