July 18, 2005

VI-EPSCoR Receives $1.7 Million in Continuing NSF Funding

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research -- known as VI-EPSCoR -- $1.7 million to cover the second year of a four-year $4.5 million commitment to support research and development in the territory.

The NSF announced its selection of the Virgin Islands as an EPSCOR participant in January 2004. The program, hosted by the University of the Virgin Islands, is designed to help build the economy of the territory through support for research, technology and development. The U.S. Virgin Islands is the smallest jurisdiction to have received such an award and UVI is the only Historically Black University to serve as a host.

"This second award is evidence that the NSF has confidence that the Virgin Islands is capable of enhancing its own economic development through proper usage of its natural, technological and intellectual resources,' said UVI President Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster.

Ragster serves as vice chair of the VI-EPSCoR Governing Committee, which includes representation from the territory's business, governmental and education sectors.

VI-EPSCoR Program Coordinator Dr. Meri Whitaker said the total, four-year funding for various EPSCoR projects will be $5.6 million, with $1.1 million coming from local matching funds. Whitaker noted that this is an indication of the strong support VI-EPSCoR receives within the territory.

Whitaker said initiatives sponsored by VI-EPSCoR are intended to directly benefit the scientific and technological development of the entire community.

VI-EPSCoR funds are supporting such activities as renovations to marine science research facilities on St. Thomas and St. John, and outreach activities designed to involve local students in hands-on scientific research. On-going VI-EPSCoR research activities include studies of Caribbean coral reef ecosystems, modeling of Virgin Islands weather and the conservation of local bird habitats.

For more information, contact Whitaker at 693-1478.