NEWS
Strengthening the Science That Drives Innovation: New Mexico EPSCoR Releases Updated S&T Plan
Living framework will guide research investment statewide
2 minutes
By
Brittney Van Der Werff
NM EPSCoR has released an updated science and technology plan, developed in collaboration with the NM EPSCoR Jurisdictional Steering Committee, comprised of more than 20 representatives from New Mexico academic institutions, industry, national laboratories, and state government.
The New Mexico S&T Plan: Statewide Framework for Foundational Research and Scientific Workforce Development (S&T Plan) complements the broader economic development strategy outlined by the New Mexico Economic Development Department in New Mexico’s S&T Roadmap: Prioritizing Investments for Enhanced Competitiveness in Science and Technology (Roadmap). While the Roadmap identifies priority technology sectors and market opportunities, the S&T Plan focuses on the earlier stages of the innovation pipeline, emphasizing the foundational science, research capacity, and workforce systems needed to fuel New Mexico's innovation-based economic development ecosystem.
In addition, the S&T Plan responds to federal research priorities and supports New Mexico researchers and institutions as they compete for federal funding and develop proposals aligned with federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy.
“The S&T Plan plays a distinct and essential role in New Mexico’s innovation strategy,” said NM EPSCoR Director Gunny Balakrishnan. “It strengthens the scientific foundation that underpins the state’s priority technology areas, ensuring that our researchers have the capacity, infrastructure, and talent pipeline needed to remain competitive nationally.”
The update fulfills an important responsibility to the NSF EPSCoR program and New Mexico’s research community. As federal expectations evolve, the plan serves as a shared reference point for institutions across the state, helping align research investments, guide collaboration, and support proposal development across a rapidly changing funding landscape.
Unlike earlier versions that centered on a limited set of research themes, the current plan establishes a broad and flexible framework that supports participation across disciplines and institutions of all sizes. It reflects New Mexico’s unique research ecosystem and addresses key state challenges and opportunities such as energy, water, environmental resilience, and economic diversification.
To advance these goals, the S&T Plan outlines five strategic objectives:
- Expand foundational research capacity
- Strengthen research infrastructure
- Build a diverse scientific workforce
- Foster convergence and collaboration
- Position New Mexico as a national research leader
Central to the plan is the concept of research pathways, which broaden access to research participation, infrastructure, and student learning opportunities at institutions across the state.
Importantly, the S&T Plan is designed to evolve alongside the state’s research and innovation ecosystem. NM EPSCoR will update the document annually to reflect emerging scientific priorities, federal funding directions, and input from stakeholders across New Mexico.
By strengthening the connection between foundational research and real-world impact, the S&T Plan ensures that New Mexico’s research ecosystem is well-positioned to generate new knowledge, develop talent, and support the next generation of technologies and industries.