The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced $30 million in funding to establish four new Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) across Montana, Idaho, and Louisiana. The centers are part of the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) initiative, which focuses on strengthening research infrastructure and expanding opportunities for scientists and students in regions with historically lower levels of federal research investment.
For laboratory managers, the initiative highlights ongoing national efforts to develop multidisciplinary research capacity in areas such as renewable energy, semiconductor manufacturing, nanotechnology, and molecular biotechnology—fields that rely on technical expertise, skilled personnel, and access to advanced laboratory resources.
Regional research hubs address renewable energy, semiconductors, and biotechnology
Each new center will concentrate on scientific advancement and workforce education within its respective focus area:
- Montana Technological University – Center for Energy Technologies: Researchers will study methods for converting local biomass, such as beetle-killed trees, into biochar and renewable energy products; the project connects regional resource use with energy systems research and laboratory-scale technology development
- Boise State University – Center for Advancing Workforce Experience through Semiconductors, Outreach, and Mentoring Excellence: The center will integrate semiconductor science into classroom and laboratory instruction, preparing students for future roles in microelectronics research and manufacturing
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans – Center for Adaptive Nanomotor Development: This program will explore nanomotor systems and energy transduction mechanisms, while also supporting workforce training in nanotechnology and molecular design
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport – Center for Post-Transcriptional Regulation: The research team will study how RNA molecules and protein modifications influence metabolic pathways, with potential applications in biotechnology and translational research
“These new centers are an important way to enhance research capabilities, strengthen STEM capacity, and ensure research opportunities are made available at institutions across the nation,” said James L. Moore III, NSF assistant director for STEM Education.
Implications for laboratory operations and collaboration
The EPSCoR CREST initiative illustrates how federal research programs can influence laboratory operations, education, and regional collaboration. For lab managers, potential areas of relevance include:
- Adapting laboratory training programs to emerging STEM fields
- Exploring partnerships with newly funded research centers
- Monitoring developments in renewable energy, semiconductor, and nanotechnology methods that may inform laboratory practice
These centers represent one component of NSF’s broader strategy to promote balanced research participation across the US while fostering innovation in key scientific sectors.
Editor’s note (October 2025): The National Science Foundation’s $30 million investment in new EPSCoR CREST Centers was announced shortly before the current US government shutdown. While Montana Technological University and Boise State University have confirmed award amounts and start dates, NSF has not yet publicly posted award numbers or active status for the Louisiana institutions listed in the announcement. It is therefore unclear whether all funds have been fully obligated or disbursed. Lab Manager will update this story as additional information becomes available.
This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.
