The National Science Foundation's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research has awarded the University of Hawai'i a second $9 million grant.

The three-year grant will continue to support a National Science Foundation program administered by the university, officials said Wednesday.

IMUA NSF Hawaii EPSCoR assists the state with efforts to increase research infrastructure in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The grant will enable the university to improve Hawai'i's research infrastructure under the theme of "Collaborative Research for Ecology, Evolution and Cyberinfrastructure," UH officials said.

The grant money will provide support for research in evolutionary and ecological genetics; ecosystem responses to environmental change; and cyberinfrastructure for environmental research and education, they said.

UH-Hilo Chancellor Rose Tseng is credited with being the impetus behind the initial effort to bring the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR, to Hawai'i with a grant in 2001.

"EPSCoR has enabled the Manoa, Hilo and community college campuses to work together as a system to improve the science and technology research climate in the state," Tseng said.

"It has given recognition to the fact that UH-Hilo is a place where research is carried out, and that has a direct tie-in to its community," she said. "We are excited to continue our participation in this project that allows the research, education and economic development interests of Hawai'i to work together with such focus and drive."