For Release December 18
South Dakota officials report EPSCoR successes in Washington DC
PIERRE, SD—South Dakota officials returned from Washington, DC this week after showcasing South Dakota’s EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) program to National Science Foundation (NSF) leaders. The program is a cooperative relationship between the NSF, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the state’s three research universities. The NSF is conducting a performance effectiveness review of the national EPSCoR program. South Dakota was one of two states chosen to present to the NSF because of its marked progress and success in administering EPSCoR.
Royce Engstrom, state director of EPSCoR said, "The presentation went very well, we got positive feedback, and were able to demonstrate the hard work and progress made in South Dakota." Engstrom explained that using NSF’s assessment measures, South Dakota is one of the most successful states in terms of relative change. "When we started, South Dakota was at the bottom, now we have passed 20 other states in the amount of NSF funding per capita," he said.
EPSCoR scientists in South Dakota have also increased their productivity as well. Engstrom said, "There has been a dramatic increase in the number of proposals from faculty compared to pre-EPSCoR years." Also, between 1992 and 1996, EPSCoR faculty generated over $8 million in independent funding for research and development.
"EPSCoR has helped South Dakota in a number of ways," said Engstrom. "One of the most exciting ways is in educating our students. There are around 150 students involved with EPSCoR in South Dakota. These students are involved in all aspects of research and it helps them become better scientific investigators," he said. Half of the students involved with EPSCoR are undergraduates.
There are also economic development and agricultural benefits from EPSCoR projects. Engstrom explained, "EPSCoR has helped the state through research into crop and livestock resistance to stress, helping businesses develop better products and materials, research in environmental issues, and research into predicting heart disease."
Al Kurtenbach, President of Daktronics and Chair of the EPSCoR Steering Committee, added, "This research is important to South Dakota for the real results it brings about. It is research that leads to findings and developments that make life better in South Dakota. Researchers at SDSU and USD have developed new lines of corn resistant to drought. Researchers at Tech have developed safer and cleaner mining methods and are working on developing light-weight, high-strength manufacturing materials."
Regent Pat Lebrun of Rapid City said, "It is important that South Dakotans realize how fortunate we are to have EPSCoR in the state. The advantages to both our students and our economy are great and worth the state’s investment. NSF realized just how much has been done and invited us to come to Washington. The people of South Dakota owe thanks to everyone involved with EPSCoR in South Dakota."
Engstrom explained that the focus of EPSCoR in South Dakota has evolved since its start to meet changing needs. "However, there are three objectives that research areas must always meet," he said. Those objectives are (1) they make use of available expertise in the state; (2) the are of significant national interest; (3) and they represent basic research in support of economies important to South Dakota.
Three of South Dakota’s public universities are involved with EPSCoR: South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, and the South Dakota School of School of Mines & Technology. EPSCoR is designed to provide financial assistance through grants to states that have historically received less federal appropriations for research and development. On some research projects these institutions cooperate with each other and with institutions in other states. Currently 18 states and Puerto Rico participate in EPSCoR. South Dakota has participated in EPSCoR since 1989 after submitting a successful proposal to NSF.
"This week’s showcasing of South Dakota research is a recognition of the high quality of work that is being done at our universities," said Robert T. Tad Perry, Executive Director of the Board of Regents, in expressing pride in our faculty and students.
Those from South Dakota attending the NSF review were Pat Lebrun, Regent from Rapid City; Robert T. Tad Perry, Executive Director of the Board of Regents; Aelred Kurtenbach, President of Daktronics in Brookings and chair of the EPSCoR steering committee; and Royce Engstrom, project director of EPSCoR in South Dakota.
For more information on EPSCoR contact Royce Engstrom at NSF-EPSCoR in South Dakota, Office of the Project Director, 414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, South Dakota 57069 or at (605) 677-6396.