WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced the University of Maine System (UMS) will receive $976,496 to improve Maine’s digital connection to scientific research and data. The System's “You Can Get There from Here” program, funded by the National Science Foundation will create a high-speed network between the University of Maine (UMaine) and other research intuitions across New England for sharing scientific collaboration. The network will also be used to share the research across Maine communities, helping K-12 schools in underserved areas access world-class educational resources.

“Digital connectivity is essential for the success of Maine’s schools and students in the 21st century – opening up a whole new world of resources and learning,” said Senators Collins and King. “The University of Maine System's “You Can Get There from Here” network will create important new connections to expand scientific collaboration throughout New England and increase education opportunities across our state. This is a perfect example of how modern technologies like broadband connections can bring more opportunities to rural, underserved areas, and bring our state into the future.”

"Research and innovation rely on collaboration and networks, and at times that can be challenging in our rural and remote locations,” said UMS Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “I want to thank Senators Collins and King for their continued support of investment in science and technology. With this National Science Foundation award, the University of Maine System will connect its cutting-edge computational resources and world-class researchers to colleagues across the Northeast and nation, and students in our state’s PK–12 and postsecondary schools. Together, we can solve problems, and create new knowledge and opportunity for Maine and beyond. This project shows the terrific power and potential of our R1 flagship research university to help strengthen our entire university system, and build Maine’s capacity and global competitiveness."

The UMS “You Can Get There from Here: Advancing Cyberinfrastructure Connectivity in Underserved Northern New England” project funds networking equipment that creates 400 Gbps network connections from UMaine to the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center and the Northern Crossroads with support to connect other New England research partners in the future. This network will help the institutions collaborate, share data, and share resources across the region – including with underserved Maine K-12 schools.