Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology - Research Infrastructure for Science and Engineering (CREST-RISE)

The CREST-RISE program supports the expansion of institutional research capacity at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) by increasing the strength of institutional graduate programs and the successful production of research doctoral students, especially those from groups underrepresented in STEM. The program includes three tracks: CREST-RISE DPSI (STEM Doctoral Programs Support Initiative) which supports the creation or strengthening of STEM research doctoral programs; CREST-RISE RAD (Research Advancement and Development) which provides funds for junior faculty to develop their research agenda and support training of doctoral students; and CREST-RISE E&I (Equipment & Instrumentation) which provides funds for equipment acquisition to support training and production of research doctoral graduates. The program emphasizes evidence-based recruitment and retention strategies, partnerships with other MSIs, and comprehensive strategies to diversify talent in STEM fields. Awards are expected to lead to long-term organizational change in how institutions support faculty research productivity and recruit, support, retain, and graduate doctoral students in STEM disciplines.