The U.S National Science Foundation recently announced that it has awarded a $399,727 grant to SFU as part of its first-ever Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) Program.
The University is receiving this financial support to develop capacity and institutional knowledge to forge partnerships with regional industries and assist them in solving problems.
At the University’s Curry Innovation Center in downtown Altoona, SFU students and faculty will work with industry partners to develop innovative ideas, technologies and solutions.
“This grant is a great opportunity for Saint Francis University to support economic and technical innovation in our area,” said Associate Professor of Engineering Tim Miller in a press release.
“At the same time, it enables our students to be a part of our local innovation development.”
EPIIC is investing $19.6 million to help nearly 50 “emerging” research institutions grow their capacity to participate in and drive regional innovation. It works with school interested in growing external partnerships and building innovation capacity.
The National Science Foundation offers hundreds of funding opportunities, including grants, cooperative agreements and fellowships that support science and engineering research and education.
SFU’s award fits within a larger project to foster collaboration in STEM research and help build relationships across colleges and universities. The grant focuses on workforce development, experimental learning and industry partnerships.
The NSF has grouped SFU with four other schools – Seattle University, Cal-Poly Humboldt, Saint Mary’s University (MN) and Utah Tech University – to collaborate with during the grant execution.
“It’s a great opportunity for our school and our research programs,” said SFU student Sam Murphy. “This money will help develop ways of researching and it encourages us to keep going.”
