Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) Program

The Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) Program is one approach EPA takes to promote collaboration between the regions and ORD. The goals of the program are to:

• Provide the regions with near-term research on high-priority, region-specific science needs,
• Improve collaboration between regions and ORD laboratories and centers, and
• Build a foundation for future scientific interaction.

ORD provides $200,000 per year to each region to develop a research topic, which is then submitted to a specific ORD laboratory or center as an extramural research proposal. Once approved, the research is conducted as a joint effort with ORD researchers and regional staff working together to meet region-specific needs. Each region’s RSL coordinates RARE Program activities and is responsible for ensuring the research results are effectively communicated and utilized in the region.

Past RARE research topics have touched upon all aspects of environmental sciences, from human health concerns to ecological effects of various pollutants. However, the RARE Program can be used as a tool to address any type of issue or problem that a region identifies as a high priority research need and for which ORD has the necessary expertise and capability to address.