Eighth Assessment of the Science, Engineering, and Math Infrastructure at Three Universities in Kansas

Abstract

Kansas entered the NSF Experimental Program to Stimulate-Competitive Research (EPSCoR) in 1992. The first assessment of the state's progress in becoming more competitive for federal research and development (R&D) dollars was completed in March 1992. Since then, annual assessments of the status of science, engineering and math (SEM) research and infrastructure at the state's three Ph.D. granting institutions have occurred. The assessments use federal data and data provided by Kansas State University (KSU), University of Kansas-Lawrence (KU) and Wichita State University (WSU). These data revealed that, after three years of NSF EPSCoR funding, the state's competitive position had improved, especially for faculty who received EPSCoR funds.

Kansas is currently in Phase Ill (1999 - 2002) of the NSF EPSCoR program. Assessment 2000, the eighth assessment of the NSF EPSCoR program, examines the infrastructure for science, engineering, and math at KSU, KU and WSU. The assessment includes grant activity data for NSF EPSCoR funded faculty from Phases I, 11, and Ill (herein known as Group I, 11, and Ill) and the First Award program. A series of focus groups and interviews were also conducted as part of the eighth assessment. These included key administrators and faculty associated with science, engineering and math at three universities.