NSF launches national AI research center to scale America’s computing power

The U.S. National Science Foundation announced a new solicitation to establish the National AI Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR-OC), marking a pivotal transition from the successful NAIRR pilot program to a sustainable national AI research infrastructure. This initiative directly supports the White House’s AI Action Plan and aims to expand access to critical AI resources for researchers and educators across the country, addressing a significant gap in computational tools needed for AI innovation and training.

What you should know: The NAIRR-OC represents a strategic investment in scaling America’s AI research capabilities through a community-based operational framework.

• The solicitation invites proposals to establish a center that will develop the overarching framework, operations strategy, and management structure needed to support NAIRR’s growth and scaling.
• The center will integrate advanced computing and data resources while launching a centralized web portal for streamlined access to AI tools.
• Through outreach and engagement initiatives, it will help cultivate a broader national AI research community.

The big picture: Many U.S. researchers and educators currently lack access to the computational, data, model, and training resources essential for investigating fundamental AI questions and preparing the next generation of AI professionals.

• The NAIRR Pilot, launched in 2024 through a public-private partnership, has already demonstrated significant impact by connecting over 400 U.S. research teams with computing platforms, datasets, software, and models.
• This access has accelerated breakthroughs across diverse fields including agriculture, drug discovery, cybersecurity, and education.

Who else is involved: The NAIRR initiative operates through an extensive collaborative network spanning both public and private sectors.

• The pilot program is backed by support from 14 federal agencies and 28 private-sector and nonprofit partners.
• This partnership model has been critical in demonstrating the innovation and scientific impact possible when AI resources become accessible to research and education communities nationwide.

Why this matters: The establishment of NAIRR-OC positions the United States to maintain global leadership in AI research and innovation.

• The center will create foundational capabilities to unlock American AI innovation nationwide while strengthening the country’s competitive position globally.
• By transitioning from pilot to sustainable program, NAIRR addresses long-term infrastructure needs for AI research rather than temporary solutions.

What they’re saying: NSF leadership emphasized the strategic importance of this transition phase.

• “The NAIRR Operating Center solicitation marks a key step in the transition from the NAIRR Pilot to building a sustainable and scalable NAIRR program,” said Katie Antypas, director of the NSF Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure.
• “We look forward to continued collaboration with private sector and agency partners, whose contributions have been critical in demonstrating the innovation and scientific impact that comes when critical AI resources are made accessible to research and education communities across the country.”