Sixth Assessment of the Science, Math and Engineering Infrastructure at Three Universities in Kansas: Case Studies of Four Peer Institutions

Abstract

In 1992, Kansas became a National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) state to improve its ability to compete for federal research and development (R&D) dollars. At that time, a plan was developed to assess progress in making Kansas more competitive for federal R&D dollars. Annual assessments of the status of science, engineering, and mathematics (SEM) research and infrastructure at the state’s three Ph.D. granting institutions (the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University) have occurred since 1992. Assessment of the impact of the first three years of NSF EPSCoR funding revealed that the state’s competitive position was improving, especially for faculty who received EPSCoR funds. However, declines in infrastructure occurred in 1995 and 1996 illustrating that past improvements in Kansas’ competitive position may be very fragile.

It was determined that the sixth assessment process should include a case study analysis of peer institutions that have had some success in obtaining external funding. The purpose of the case studies is to learn from the experience of other universities to increase the external funding in Kansas.