PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) today announced the first round of recipients for its Rhode Island Research Alliance Collaborative Research Award program. The awards will provide direct support to 32 scientists from 15 research organizations across Rhode Island. The program is part of a $1.5 million effort to grow R&D capacity in the state, address critical problems of Rhode Islanders, and spur economic development.