By Matthew Hall, Internet2 Senior Policy Advisor
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
On Dec. 26, 2025, Internet2 submitted comments to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in response to its Request for Information (RFI) on Accelerating the U.S. Scientific Enterprise.
The RFI sought input on how federal policy can modernize research infrastructure, responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into science, and ensure that federally funded research delivers broad public benefit.
The comments from Internet2 reflect the priorities and on-the-ground experience of the research and education (R&E) community. The response emphasizes that scientific acceleration depends on sustained investment in shared infrastructure, skilled professionals, and inclusive access.
AI-Ready Research Infrastructure
In its submitted comments, Internet2 urges OSTP to expand the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) from a pilot program to full operations. Internet2 also recommends investment in high-performance research networking capable of supporting data-intensive, AI-enabled science.
The comments emphasize distributed, regional infrastructure models that reduce barriers to participation and extend advanced capabilities beyond a small number of national centers.
Community-Driven Governance and Partnerships
Internet2 highlights the importance of governance models that keep national investments aligned with researcher needs.
Recommendations include community-driven oversight, strong public–private partnerships, and standards-based identity and data infrastructure that enable secure, cross-institutional collaboration.
Investing in the Cyberinfrastructure Workforce
The submitted comments call for federal funding models that support permanent technical positions, professional career pathways, and scalable, hands-on training programs that help researchers effectively use advanced infrastructure.
Internet2 stresses that research computing, data, software, and security professionals are essential to scientific progress.
Fair Access and Capacity Building
To ensure that federally funded research benefits all Americans, Internet2 recommends sustained investments in institutions that serve minorities (MSIs) and underserved regions.
This includes multi-year support for infrastructure and staffing, meaningful MSI participation in major initiatives, and continued investment in regional R&E networks that extend national capabilities to campuses nationwide.
Security That Enables Openness
Internet2 emphasizes the need for shared, network-scale security services and harmonized federal requirements that strengthen research security while minimizing burden and preserving the openness essential to discovery.
Why This Matters for Internet2 Members
These recommendations reinforce long-standing community priorities. Internet2 encourages shared infrastructure over siloed systems, people alongside platforms, and national investments that reach institutions of all sizes and missions.
Internet2 will continue to engage with OSTP and other federal partners to advance policies that reflect these values and support the success of the R&E community.
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