Federal government body NSF allocates funds to inaugurate the National Artificial Intelligence Research Operations Center

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has unveiled a new solicitation to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR-OC). This strategic, forward-looking investment is aimed at building a sustainable and scalable NAIRR program, as outlined in the White House's AI Action Plan.

The NAIRR-OC is intended to transition the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) from a pilot to a sustainable, coordinated national program. The solicitation invites proposals to establish the NAIRR-OC, a community-based center that will lead the development of the operations strategy and management structure for the NAIRR.

Katie Antypas, director of the NSF Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure, stated that the establishment of the NAIRR-OC marks a key step in the transition from the NAIRR Pilot to building a sustainable and scalable NAIRR program.

The NAIRR Pilot, launched in 2024, aims to build a national infrastructure for AI innovation and student training through a public-private partnership. It has already connected over 400 U.S. research teams with computing platforms, datasets, software, and models. The Pilot has accelerated breakthroughs in fields from agriculture and drug discovery to cybersecurity and education.

The NAIRR-OC's goal is to help grow a national AI research community and realize the transformational impact of the NAIRR, unlocking American AI innovation nationwide. It will be responsible for integrating advanced computing and data resources, launching a centralized web portal for streamlined access to tools, and collaborating closely with partner organizations.

The NAIRR-OC will continue the 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. Through outreach and engagement, the NAIRR-OC will help strengthen the United States' global leadership in AI research and innovation.

Many researchers and educators lack the critical AI tools and resources to investigate fundamental AI questions and train students. The establishment of NAIRR-OC supports the White House's AI Action Plan, which emphasizes the need for sustained operational capabilities for the NAIRR and broader access to AI resources for the research community.

The NAIRR-OC's resulting award will establish a foundational capability for the NAIRR-OC. However, the organization that will be established through the solicitation announcement for the NAIRR-OC is not identified in the provided search results.

The NAIRR-OC is a strategic, forward-looking investment in the nation's scientific enterprise that will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of AI research and innovation in the United States.

Federal government body NSF allocates funds to inaugurate the National Artificial Intelligence Research Operations Center