New Mexico EPSCoR selected to lead $8 Million NSF award to strengthen state's research ecosystem

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $8 million to NM EPSCoR to lead the "Research Infrastructure Optimization for New Mexico" (RIO-NM) project, a transformative initiative connecting New Mexico's significant research resources with its network of Emerging Research Institutions.

Building upon years of experience in managing expansive research collaborations, RIO-NM represents the next evolution of the NM EPSCoR's work, guided by the strategic vision and continued support of the New Mexico Jurisdictional Steering Committee.

The project unites researchers and administrators from institutions across New Mexico in a highly collaborative effort led by Ganesh Balakrishnan, director of NM EPSCoR and professor at The University of New Mexico in the School of Engineering, along with the following co-investigators:

• Jason Arviso, vice president of Operations at Navajo Technical University
• Lorie Liebrock, director of the New Mexico Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
• Philip Lister, dean of the School of Math, Science, and Engineering at Central New Mexico Community College
• Patricia Sullivan, director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives and associate dean for Outreach and Recruitment at the College of Engineering, New Mexico State University

"RIO-NM represents an unprecedented level of collaboration across New Mexico's diverse research institutions," said Balakrishnan. "By connecting our emerging research institutions with established research universities, national labs, and industry partners, we aim to create new pathways for students and faculty to engage in cutting-edge research that will drive innovation and economic growth in our state."

The project is structured around three core areas:

1. Cyberinfrastructure Core: Focused on the intersection of digital and institutional interconnections to ensure robust cyberinfrastructure for research, provide access to research platforms, and facilitate the discovery and utilization of research resources statewide.

2. Research Pathways Core: Aimed at developing opportunities for New Mexico students and faculty, with a focus on Emerging Research Institutions, to participate and advance in New Mexico's larger research ecosystem.

3. Administrative Core: Tasked with providing overall coordination and support for the initiative and developing the Science and Technology Plan for New Mexico to ensure sustainable and cohesive growth of New Mexico's research ecosystem.

The Cyberinfrastructure Core and Research Pathways Core will implement pilot projects and seed funding initiatives to test and scale new approaches to building research infrastructure.

"Navajo Technical University is thrilled to be a part of this exciting project," said Jason Arviso. "We're eager to contribute and collaborate as a committed team player."

RIO-NM is funded by the National Science Foundation's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The project officially begins on Sept. 1 and will run through 2028.

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