RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NSF NQVL) is coming into sharper focus with the selection of the first four teams that will design high-tech infrastructure to be broadly used across the country. NSF is investing $16 million in the four teams, with each receiving $4 million over two years. The NSF NQVL initiative is an ambitious effort to accelerate the development of useful quantum technologies by providing researchers anywhere in the U.S. with access to specialized resources.

The teams selected by NSF will design practical ways to expand access to the hardware and software needed for quantum science, engineering and technology development, which are currently highly bespoke and concentrated in relatively few labs. Among the design projects are plans to create shareable, networked quantum computers that can be used for experimentation from any location and a “digital twin” (a dynamic simulation that changes and responds to inputs) of a quantum computer that can be used by any U.S. researcher to test and refine new quantum algorithms.

“The National Quantum Virtual Laboratory is a critical bridge between basic discovery and deployment, specifically focused on turning America’s leadership in fundamental quantum science into practical technologies, products, and systems that will strengthen our nation’s competitiveness and ensure U.S. dominance in this field for decades to come,” said Brian Stone, performing the duties of

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

The U.S. National Science Foundation today announced a new solicitation to establish a National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR-OC). This marks a critical, initial step in transitioning the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) from a successful pilot to laying the foundations for a sustainable, coordinated national program that will advance U.S. research capabilities and global leadership in AI.

Many researchers and educators lack the critical AI tools and resources to investigate fundamental AI questions and train students.

Launched in 2024, through a novel public-private partnership construct, the NAIRR Pilot aims to build a national infrastructure that expands access to the computational, data, model, and training resources needed to drive AI innovation and train the next generation.

Backed by the support of 14 federal agencies and 28 private-sector and nonprofit partners, the NAIRR Pilot has already connected over 400 U.S. research teams with computing platforms, datasets, software, and models — accelerating breakthroughs in fields from agriculture and drug discovery to cybersecurity and education.

The establishment of NAIRR-OC is a strategic, forward-looking investment in the nation’s scientific enterprise. It directly 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 Operating Center solicitation marks a key step in the transition from the NAIRR Pilot to building a

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

The U.S. National Science Foundation today announced two major advancements in America’s AI infrastructure: the launch of the Integrated Data Systems and Services (NSF IDSS) program to build out national-scale data systems and the selection of 10 datasets for integration into the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot.

These efforts directly align with priorities outlined in the White House AI Action Plan, which calls for investments in research infrastructure and datasets to strengthen U.S. leadership in AI research, education and innovation.

NSF IDSS: Building a national integrated data infrastructure

The NSF IDSS program will fund the development and operation of powerful national-scale systems and associated services that allow researchers across the country to access, use and share scientific data — accelerating innovation and strengthening American competitiveness in AI and other sectors.

Currently, there are no dedicated programs at NSF that support operational national-scale data systems. IDSS fills this gap by enabling the deployment of high-impact platforms that serve research and education communities and interoperate with other federal science and data infrastructure efforts.

A robust data infrastructure is also critical to the success of the NSF-led NAIRR Pilot, a key initiative expanding access to AI research resources. As AI transforms sectors from health care and agriculture to energy and national defense, researchers face the challenge of accessing and integrating vast data to power advanced AI systems. Awarded

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced two new Dear Colleague Letters (DCL) and one program solicitation that implement key elements of the Trump administration’s executive order, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.” The new opportunities will take decisive steps to expand resources for K-12 AI education, enhance teacher training and harness AI tools and services to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning.

“For decades, NSF has invested in research projects designed to transform STEM teaching and learning to meet emerging needs like AI. Integrating AI into education systems helps to prepare both young and adult learners to contribute to an AI-driven society,” said NSF Assistant Director for STEM Education James L. Moore III. “With these new funding mechanisms, NSF will fast-track its efforts to provide early exposure to AI, scale AI curricula, expand services that support the use of AI in education, advance teacher professional development and improve knowledge sharing in AI education to help sustain the nation’s leadership in technological innovation.”

Dear Colleague Letters

The Expanding K-12 Resources for AI Education DCL seeks to build upon NSF’s extensive investments in fundamental research, technology transition and education related to the science and application of AI. Existing awardees with K-12 AI or computer science education experience are invited to submit supplemental funding proposals to refine, scale, and/or implement established K-12 AI-related activities.

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