The public is invited to provide research theme recommendations for the next Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) proposal, which will be submitted to the National Science Foundation in October 2012. The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), as the host institution for the Virgin Islands EPSCoR, has started the process of preparing the project proposal. Town Hall meetings are scheduled for next week on St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas as follows:
· St. John – 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 8/28 – St. Ursula’s Multipurpose Center
· St. Croix – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, 8/29 – UVI campus Northwest Wing
· St. Thomas – 6 p.m. on Thursday, 8/30 – Windward Passage Hotel
The purpose of the VI-EPSCoR project is to develop the scientific capacity in the U.S. Virgin Islands to support economic development. This is achieved by investing in research facilities and the territory’s current and future workforce.
The VI-EPSCoR project has been given an opportunity to play a role in the development of a Science and Technology Plan for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Last week, UVI President Dr. David Hall joined Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. to announce UVI’s partnership to provide technical assistance to the V.I. Science and Technology Council. The council will develop a Science and Technology Plan and provide a road map to long term success of the plan.
Representatives of the VI-EPSCoR project will conduct a series of meetings with community and business groups to explore potential areas of focus during the period Aug. 20 to Sept. 12. Community groups and businesses are invited to provide ideas for the research focus for the proposal that is currently being prepared.
The research focus of the first two VI-EPSCoR grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) was on the environmental, health, social and economic issues associated with the coastal ecosystems of the territory.
Individuals or organizations interested in participating in community meetings are invited to call VI-EPSCoR at 693-1422, or send an e-mail to Nick Drayton at: ndrayton@live.uvi.edu
Additional information and a form for submitting recommendations can be found on the VI-EPSCoR’s Web site, at: http://epscor.uvi.edu.
