Kansas EPSCoR (KNE) recently entered its second decade of enhancing the science and technology infrastructure, education, and economic development of Kansas. By using a focused approach, mapping out a deliberate investment strategy, and entering into profitable partnerships with various organizations, KNE is creating new and exciting opportunities for Kansas.

Program Highlights

A recent survey revealed that 92 percent of Kansans believe it is important for government to invest in basic science research. In addition, 96 percent of those surveyed feel that it is important for schools in Kansas to make science education a priority. With that endorsement by the public, KNE submitted an aggressive proposal to NSF. The proposal addressed new research and education initiatives of strategic importance to Kansas, calling for partnering with Kansas' educational institutions and the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation. NSF responded by funding a 3-year, $9 million plan to develop regional excellence in the life sciences.

A key component to this strategic plan is the world-class Stowers Institute for Medical Research that opened in Kansas City in 2001. More than 100 area scientists and business leaders participated in planning this initiative to establish Kansas City as an area nationally recognized for life sciences excellence. Today, the nonprofit Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute has a mission to strengthen regional research in genomics, proteomics, and information technology/bioinformatics.

Also in 2001, the Kansas Legislature made a new commitment to the State's research and development mission by passing the University Research and Development Act. The bill recognizes that "scientific research is essential to promote the economic development of the State" and authorizes the issuance of bonds to underwrite the building of new university facilities for imaging, biotechnology, and aviation research.

With business and government leading the effort to develop excellence in the life sciences, KNE is stimulating major infrastructure improvements by supporting the basic sciences of ecology, genomics, lipidomics, and information technology/bioinformatics.

KNE is building two new research programs: one at the interface of ecology and genetics and the other in the emerging field of lipid profiling (lipidomics). KNE's program in ecological genomics will strengthen science at the interface of these two disciplines and enable interdisciplinary research that will place functional genomics in an ecological context. At KNE's Lipidomics Research Center, biologists and biochemists are studying metabolic functions in relation to genes and their proteins.

KNE is also leveraging resources by partnering with a National Institutes of Health program to develop a bioinformatics facility linking researchers and students in Kansas. The equipment, new faculty, and technical expertise in this facility will provide a platform for graduate student training and workforce development. Other KNE funds will supplement faculty startup packages; purchase multi-user equipment; fund First Awards to attract new faculty, especially women and underrepresented groups; and train graduate students and postdocs.

With an eye on the future, KNE is targeting the next generation of scientists through a rich portfolio of programs for middle school, community college, undergraduate, and graduate students, including underrepresented groups. Faculty are mentoring students at all levels to create a culture that will support the next generation of research scientists and teachers.

Funds are enhancing existing programs and developing new ones, such as Haskell Indian Nations University Student Research Experiences for Native American Undergraduates and Community College Student Research Experiences for Undergraduates. KNE is working for Kansas, providing the platform for scientific research, education, and economic development in the years ahead.