Accessing Mathematical Research Funds in Kansas STEM Education

Target Outcomes for Mathematical Sciences Research in Kansas

The Grants to Stimulate Interest and Activity in Mathematical Sciences Research program aims to deepen connections among the mathematical sciences community in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Banking Institution, seeks to support projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the state's mathematical sciences landscape. A key outcome of this grant is to reveal and plan new directions for research, particularly in areas that align with the state's economic development goals.

Kansas is home to a diverse economy, with major industries in agriculture, aviation, and manufacturing. The state's research institutions, such as the University of Kansas and Kansas State University, are recognized for their strong programs in mathematical sciences. The Kansas NSF EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) program has also been instrumental in advancing research capacity in the state. By supporting projects that foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among researchers, educators, and industry partners, this grant program aims to strengthen the mathematical sciences ecosystem in Kansas.

One of the primary target outcomes of this grant is to increase the number of Kansas-based researchers and students participating in mathematical sciences research projects. This will be achieved by providing funding for projects that engage students and junior scientists in research activities, such as workshops, conferences, and research collaborations. For instance, a project that brings together researchers from the University of Kansas and Kansas State University to work on a research problem in applied mathematics could be a good fit for this grant.

Another key outcome is to promote the dissemination of research findings to a wider audience. The grant program encourages applicants to develop plans for sharing their research with stakeholders beyond the academic community, such as industry partners, policymakers, and the general public. This could involve creating public outreach materials, hosting community events, or developing educational resources. By sharing their research more broadly, grantees can help to raise the profile of mathematical sciences research in Kansas and demonstrate its relevance to the state's economic and social challenges.

The grant program also seeks to support projects that will have a lasting impact on the mathematical sciences community in Kansas. This might involve developing new research collaborations, creating new educational programs or resources, or advancing the state's research infrastructure. For example, a project that establishes a research center or institute focused on mathematical sciences could be a good fit for this grant.

Measuring Success in Kansas

To measure the success of this grant program, the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Banking Institution will track a range of outcomes, including the number of research projects supported, the number of students and junior scientists engaged, and the number of research findings disseminated to non-academic audiences. The grantees will be required to submit regular progress reports and to participate in evaluation activities to assess the impact of their projects.

The Kansas Department of Commerce has a strong track record of supporting research and development initiatives in the state. For example, the department's Kansas Business Development Funds program provides financial support to businesses engaged in research and development activities. By leveraging funding from this grant program, researchers and institutions in Kansas can access additional resources to support their work and help to drive economic growth in the state.

Sustaining Momentum in Mathematical Sciences Research

To sustain momentum in mathematical sciences research in Kansas, the grant program will prioritize projects that demonstrate a clear plan for long-term sustainability. This might involve developing partnerships with industry partners, securing additional funding from other sources, or establishing new research programs or centers. By supporting projects that have the potential to make a lasting impact, the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Banking Institution aim to create a stronger, more vibrant mathematical sciences community in Kansas.

Applicants are encouraged to review the Kansas Department of Commerce's website to learn more about the state's economic development goals and priorities. They should also consider how their project aligns with the state's existing research initiatives, such as the Kansas NSF EPSCoR program.

Q: What types of projects are eligible for funding under this grant program in Kansas? A: Projects that support research and education in mathematical sciences, and that demonstrate a clear understanding of the state's mathematical sciences landscape, are eligible for funding.

Q: How can I find out more about the Kansas Department of Commerce's research and development initiatives? A: You can visit the Kansas Department of Commerce's website to learn more about the department's research and development programs, including the Kansas Business Development Funds program.

Q: Are there any specific outcomes or metrics that grantees will be expected to report on? A: Yes, grantees will be required to submit regular progress reports and to participate in evaluation activities to assess the impact of their projects. They will be expected to report on outcomes such as the number of research projects supported, the number of students and junior scientists engaged, and the number of research findings disseminated to non-academic audiences.