The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has recently announced a substantial $20 million grant to expand the NSF CloudBank initiative, aimed at advancing scientific research through enhanced access to commercial cloud computing services. This expansion builds on the success of a pilot program and is set to provide researchers with cutting-edge computing resources, AI tools, and other cloud services. The initiative, led by the San Diego Supercomputer Center and Information Technology Services Division at UC San Diego in collaboration with UC Berkeley and the University of Washington, will work closely with major cloud providers like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and NVIDIA’s DGX Cloud.
NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan highlighted the significance of CloudBank 2.0 in broadening the availability of advanced computing resources for researchers across various institutions. By incorporating commercial cloud resources, the NSF aims to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, fostering innovation and scientific breakthroughs. This strategic move aligns with the NSF’s commitment to enhancing public-private collaborations to drive technological advancements and maintain global leadership in innovation.
Recognizing the critical role of the United States in emerging technologies, OSTP Principal Deputy Director Lynne Parker emphasized the importance of providing researchers with state-of-the-art resources to bolster American leadership in artificial intelligence. CloudBank 2.0 services will be integrated into the NSF’s Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem program, facilitating researchers’ access to diverse computing and data services. The initiative will complement existing programs supporting on-premises advanced computing platforms, offering a comprehensive suite of resources to the research community.
CloudBank 2.0 is anticipated to support around 500 research projects annually over the next five years, enabling scientists from various disciplines to conduct impactful studies that demand significant computing power. The initiative aims to make computing resources more accessible to institutions with limited infrastructure, such as community colleges and smaller universities, fostering inclusivity and innovation in scientific endeavors.
In addition to supporting research projects, CloudBank 2.0 prioritizes workforce development, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in data-driven fields. By providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge cloud technologies, the initiative prepares students for careers in industries like healthcare, finance, and artificial intelligence. The program underscores the importance of collaboration with educational institutions to nurture a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and discovery.
Since its inception in 2020, CloudBank has facilitated numerous research projects and provided cloud-based educational resources to thousands of students. The initiative has been instrumental in promoting cloud-based education and introducing students to cloud computing technologies through initiatives like the Data 8 Community Hub. By expanding access to advanced computing resources and fostering collaborations, CloudBank 2.0 is poised to accelerate scientific innovation and empower the next generation of researchers and innovators.
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