science in ACTION INNOVATIVE RESEARCH FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE REGIONAL RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM The Regional Research Partnership Program (R2P2) is an Office of Research and Development (ORD) program administered by the Office of Science Policy. The program provides short-term training opportunities for regional scientists to work with ORD scientists at ORD laboratories, centers or offices, on projects that are of interst to ORD and the region. R2P2 is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of regional and ORD staff\ help build technical capacity in the regions, and promote the development of stronger linkages between ORD and the regions. Goals of the Regional Research Partnership Program • Establish short-term collaborative research opportunities between regional and ORD staff in laboratories, centers, and offices • Foster long-term relationships that help link regional science needs with ORD research objectives • Establish a formal professional development opportunity for regional staff to perform field or laboratory research in their discipline R2P2 Process ORD conducts an annual solicitation for R2P2 applications. Regional offices, in collaboration with ORD, select R2P2 candidates to work with an ORD mentor at an ORD laboratory, center, or office. The RSLs coordinate the process in their region, ensure projects align with ORD programs and available experts, and secure regional and ORD management support. For information about the next R2P2 solicitation, contact the RSL in your region. R2P2 Project Examples Characterizing Harmful Algal Blooms Flarmful algal blooms (HABs) are dense masses of water-borne, toxin-producing cyanobacteria that can pose a significant threat to humans, animals, and the ecosystem. Exposure to cyanotoxins in drinking water and recreational waters can cause health effects ranging from skin irritation to serious illness, liver or kidney failure, or even death. ORD and Region 1 scientists are evaluating and translating available FIAB data into easy-to-interpret online maps that can inform monitoring locations and citizen science efforts. The maps will also be used to update EPA's Community- Focused Exposure and Risk Screening Tool (C- FERST), which communities can use to learn more about environmental issues. This project will help EPA, state and local governments, and the public to better understand the conditions that trigger FIABs, identify locations that experience frequent bloom events, and develop prevention and mitigation measures. Regional Research Partnership Program Contact Information Regional Science Program Chief Maggie LaVay, 202-564-5264 lavavmaeaieV/cpa. gov R2P2 Program Coordinator Valerie Blank, 202-564-1720 blank. valerie@epa. gov Regional Science Liaisons Region 1 - Boston, MA Robert Hillger, 617-918-1071 Mllger.robert@epa.gov Region 2 - New York, NY Marie O'Shea, 212-637-3585 oshea. marie@epa. gov Region 3 - Philadelphia, PA Regina Poeske (Acting), 215-814-2725 pocske.rcginaY/epa. gov Region 4 - Atlanta, GA Dawn Taylor, 404-562-8575 tavlor.dawn@epa. gov Region 5 - Chicago, IL Carole Bravermaa 312-353-7359 braverman.carole@epa. gov Region 6 - Dallas, TX Michael Morton, 214-665-8329 morton. micliaclc/cpa. gov Region 7 - Kansas City, KS Amy Shields, 913-551-7396 shields.amvV/cpa. gov Region 8 - Denver, CO Alfred Basile. 303-312-6551 basile.alfred@epa. gov Region 9 - San Francisco, CA Matthew Small, 415-972-3366 small. matthew@epa. gov Region 10 - Seattle, WA Bruce Duncan, 206-553-0218 duncan.bruce@epa. gov For more information about the R2P2 program, visit: https://intranet.ord.epa.gov/regional- science/regional-research- partnership-pro gram-r2p2 1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development March 2018 ------- |