Advancing science, research, and workforce development across Montana
Learn about our current project:
Sensors, Maching Learning, and Artificial Intelligence in Real Time Fire Science
MT NSF EPSCoR
connects technology, business, education, and community to strengthen research and innovation across the state. We bring together leading scientists, educators, and partners to address environmental challenges that matter to all Montanans, advancing knowledge while supporting sustainable solutions for Montana’s future.
“EPSCoR allows us to engage in statewide collaboration on projects related to issues that Montanans care about.”
Alison harmon
Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Montana State University
The Montana NSF EPSCoR SMART FIRES project convened its Year 3 ‘All Hands Meeting’ (AHM2025) on September 8–9, 2025 at Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman, bringing together researchers, students, partners, and advisors from across the state and beyond to share progress, spark new collaborations, and deepen interdisciplinary connections.
The two-day event featured project updates, breakout sessions, seed funding presentations, and demonstrations of cutting-edge optical sensor technologies. Attendees included representatives from Montana State University, University of Montana (UM), Montana Technological University, Flathead Valley Community College, Little Big Horn College, Dawson Community College, and external partners such as Resonon, Vision Aerial, and the Blackfoot Challenge.
Current project: SMART FIRES
SMART FIRES stands for Sensors, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence in Real-Time Fire Science. It is an NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 research project that brings together scientists, educators, and communities across Montana to study prescribed fire, wildfire smoke, ecosystem health, and community resilience using advanced sensors, data science, and artificial intelligence.
Project archive
Montana NSF EPSCoR was established to strengthen the state’s research competitiveness through the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). Since its founding, the program has built statewide partnerships among Montana universities, tribal colleges, community colleges, researchers, educators, and industry partners. Montana NSF EPSCoR has supported major research initiatives in environmental science, optics, climate, water resources, and data science while expanding STEM education and workforce opportunities across the state.
