Shaheen Leads NH Delegation in Welcoming More Than $1.6 Million in Research Grants to UNH & Dartmouth College

(Washington, D.C.) — U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, alongside Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01), welcomed National Science Foundation (NSF) grants heading to New Hampshire, including $1,359,407 to the University of New Hampshire and $280,000 to Dartmouth College. This funding comes from the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program, which promotes scientific progress and innovation through partnerships with higher education, government and industries across the nation. 

“I am thrilled to see these awards from the National Science Foundation heading to two of New Hampshire’s top research institutions. New Hampshire continues to be an exciting hub of science and innovation, particularly through this project that will explore the future of artificial intelligence in our state’s manufacturing industries,” said Senator Shaheen. “Particularly on the heels of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act that just passed Congress last week, investing in STEM education programs has never been more important. As chair of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the NSF, I’ll continue to advocate for federal funding to ensure New Hampshire remains a leader in cutting-edge research.”  

“Investing in scientific research is what helps America stay at the cutting edge of technology, which is why these federal funds for University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth College are so important,” said Senator Hassan. “I was proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop and pass the CHIPS and Science Act to further support the EPSCoR program, and I look forward to seeing how UNH and Dartmouth use these and future federal funds to continue to develop their world-class scientific research. Our education institutions and businesses in New Hampshire will continue to play a critical role to help our country outcompete China and reach the next frontier of technological advancement.”  

“Our Granite State scientists, researchers, and students are leading the way forward for our country in innovative technology development – it’s key that we support their important efforts to solve the challenges of today,” said Rep. Kuster. “I’m thrilled that these federal funds from the National Science Foundation (NSF) are heading to our state and this broader New England coalition to advance artificial intelligence and support intelligent manufacturing. I’m proud to see the University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth at the forefront of cutting-edge technology advancements and I will continue working to strengthen innovation and research to build a brighter future and a stronger economy for all.”

“It is vital that we invest in science and technology research to expand job opportunities and support our economy,” said Rep. Pappas. “I helped pass the CHIPS and Science Act to expand programs like EPSCoR to support innovative research, bolster our domestic manufacturing, and spur economic growth. I’m pleased to see these funds coming to New Hampshire to invest in our STEM workforce and pave the way for future economic prosperity.”  

Today’s announcement is part of a $6 million collaborative effort with the University of Maine, University of New Hampshire, University of Vermont, Dartmouth College and the Maine Community College System to investigate how artificial intelligence drives advancements in the future of intelligent manufacturing. The project will also address the unique manufacturing needs of these states through a large-scale economic development assessment. 

Shaheen has been a strong advocate for STEM education and scientific research funding priorities. As the Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee – which funds the NSF – Shaheen secured $10.3 billion for the NSF in the FY 23 Senate government funding proposal – a historic increase of $1.5 billion above last year’s enacted level. This funding will support U.S. competitiveness in key areas like quantum computing, artificial intelligence and climate science, as well as help build an innovative workforce fueled by a diverse pipeline of scientists and engineers.

Senator Hassan has worked to invest in American research and manufacturing, and helped lead efforts to draft and pass the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022 that will strengthen supply chains, lower costs and outcompete countries like China by investing in American research and manufacturing, especially for semiconductors. The bill prioritizes additional support for EPSCoR programs. In the bill, Shaheen secured inclusion of language based on her bipartisan Supporting STEM Learning Opportunities Act to allow funds to support research and development of innovative STEM educational programming, including afterschool and other outside-of-the-classroom activities.  

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