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The National Science Foundation (NSF) and its collaborating agencies have taken a step in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) research in the United States with the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot. This initiative, developed in collaboration with 10 federal agencies and 25 private sector, nonprofit, and philanthropic organisations, aims to create a shared research infrastructure that democratises access to crucial resources essential for responsible AI discovery and innovation.
The NAIRR pilot seeks to provide U.S.-based researchers access to advanced resources, including computing power, datasets, models, software, training, and user support. By connecting these individuals with the necessary tools, the initiative aims to foster innovative AI research while contributing valuable insights to shape the design of the broader NAIRR ecosystem. This pilot serves as proof of concept, signalling the importance of investments required to realise the vision of a National AI Research Resourcefully.
NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan emphasised the urgency of developing a resource. He stated that the collaboration among various partners underscored the need for a National AI Research Resource to secure the future of AI in America.
The investment in AI research through the NAIRR pilot is envisioned to unleash discovery and impact, enhancing global competitiveness. Panchanathan emphasised the necessity to create opportunities across the country to advance AI innovation, strengthen educational avenues, and position the nation as a leader in shaping international standards.
The pilot aligns with President Biden’s commitment to advancing responsible AI, ensuring all Americans benefit from this transformative technology. Arati Prabhakar, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, saw the NAIRR pilot as a catalyst for achieving America’s aspirations, providing researchers with critical data and computing resources.
The collaborative nature of the NAIRR pilot, involving academia, industry, nonprofit, and government sectors, aimed to encourage cross-sector partnerships. Such collaborations can lead to developing of commercially viable AI applications and solutions, fostering economic growth by creating new markets and revenue streams.
Government partners involved in the NAIRR pilot include NSF, Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), NASA, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Defence (DOD), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The pilot’s initial focus is on supporting AI research that advances safety, security, and trustworthiness in AI and its application to healthcare, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure challenges. Additionally, the pilot aimed to provide infrastructure support for educators to enable training on AI technologies and their responsible approaches.
The operations of the NAIRR pilot will be organised into four key focus areas, namely, NAIRR Open, which enables open AI research through coordinated access to diverse AI resources; NAIRR Secure, co-led by NIH and DOE, focusing on privacy and security-preserving resources; NAIRR Software, facilitating interoperable use of AI software and tools; and NAIRR Classroom, reaching new communities through education, training, user support, and outreach.
The launch of the NAIRR pilot fulfils a goal outlined in Executive Order 14110, signed by President Joe Biden in October 2023, directing NSF to launch a pilot within 90 days. As the pilot advances the proof of concept, future investments in NAIRR are expected to democratise access to AI innovation and support critical work in promoting trustworthy AI development.
NSF announced that researchers can apply for initial access to NAIRR pilot resources through the NAIRR pilot portal. A broader call for proposals from the research community will be released in spring 2024, allowing researchers to apply for access to the full suite of NAIRR pilot resources contributed by partners.
The initiative also welcomes additional private sector and nonprofit partners, encouraging interested parties to contact NSF at nairr_pilot@nsf.gov. The NAIRR pilot represents a stride toward establishing a robust and inclusive infrastructure for AI research in the United States, setting the stage for future breakthroughs and advancements in the field.
