In 2007, in response to the immense damage to Louisiana’s scientific research capacity caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Board of Regents established the Post-Katrina Support Fund Initiative. The P-KSFI, comprised of Primarily Research and Primarily Education Subprograms, is a five-year program designed to support “towers of strength” in Louisiana STEM education and research. The goal of P-KSFI Primarily Research Subprogram (PRS) funding is to transform strong programs into federally funded centers of excellence and engines of economic development, while the Primarily Education Subprogram (PES) supports projects designed to improve undergraduate STEM education and training. Awards began in summer 2007, and the program will conclude in 2012.
