Kansas University won’t fight the National Science Foundation’s decision to back out of one of the largest research grants in KU history.

“The NSF decision was disappointing,” Provost Richard Lariviere said in a prepared statement, “and while we may not agree with all conclusions leading to it, we will continue to move forward, conducting world-class research in this vital area.”

In June, the NSF decided to withdraw support for KU’s Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis, maintaining the center had not lived up to expectations.

Three years ago, NSF pledged $17 million over five years for the center. Now, NSF plans to cut back on its promise and slowly reduce funding until the end of the five years.

It also will not renew the grant for what could have been another five-year term, which would have brought in up to $4 million annually until 2013.

“We just think at this point that the best thing to do is look ahead,” said Jim Roberts, vice provost for research.

Roberts noted that the NSF grant will bring about $13 million of the previously pledged $17 million over the five-year term.

The center’s mission is to develop chemical processes that are better for the environment and economically viable.

The NSF review of the program found a “near absence” of innovative research, little collaborative research with industry, an “alarmingly low” number of publications, a shortage of dynamic midcareer scientists and engineers, “little or no commitment” to leadership for K-12 outreach and other problems.

“Funding is never guaranteed,” Lariviere said in the statement. “Outcomes are never certain.”

The official statement, issued on Friday, that KU would not appeal the decision confirmed what Roberts had suggested earlier.

In August, Roberts said: “If (NSF) made a decision to move on, I think one way or another they’ll find a way to stick with that decision.”

In the news release, KU noted NSF’s funding thus far has provided a solid foundation for future research.

KU also noted that the center has gathered multiple industry partners and built a team of talented researchers and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Roberts said the center will look for alternate sources of funding, and KU will announce later this week the receipt of new grant funds for the center.

“We’re disappointed in the (NSF) decision, but we’re going to move ahead,” he said.