NSF–CASC Workshop on Envisioning NAIRR State and Regional Hubs for Educational Transformation
Event Info
On March 9, 2026, NSF and CASC convened more than 100 leaders from across all 50 U.S. states and territories to explore how coordinated statewide and multi-state cyberinfrastructure (CI) investments can transform educational experiences in higher education. The workshop generated structured community input to inform NSF’s emerging vision for a national effort to expand access to advanced computing, strengthen the workforce pipeline, and enhance U.S. research and education competitiveness.
About the Workshop
Participants explored how statewide and multi-state approaches to advanced computing and CI capacity could support educational innovation across institutions of higher education — with particular attention to institutions that have historically had limited access to these resources. Discussions addressed enabling broad-based access to advanced computing and data resources; integrating CI capabilities into instructional programs and experiential learning; and strengthening faculty development, student onboarding, and user support models that prepare students for a data- and AI-enabled research and workforce environment.
Who Participated
The workshop brought together a cross-section of leaders whose perspectives can shape coordinated national strategies:
- State and system-level higher education and workforce leaders
- Cyberinfrastructure leadership from research-performing institutions
- Faculty and academic leaders
- Statewide and regional research and education networks (RENs)
- Selected industry and philanthropic partners
Key Discussion Areas
Structured peer discussions centered on five themes: building statewide or multi-state advanced computing consortia; governance, coordination, and sustainable operating models; workforce development, faculty training, and student onboarding; alignment of campus, state, and regional investments; and industry and philanthropic engagement models that add long-term value.
Outcomes
The workshop produced an executive summary and session notes capturing shared challenges, diverse state contexts, and actionable themes to inform NSF’s future program development. Both documents are available below.
Date: March 9, 2026 | Location: Constitution Hall, American University, Washington, DC | Format: In-person, invitation-only | Host: CASC in partnership with NSF | Contact: Kathryn Kelley, kelley@casc.org
This event is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2611153. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this event and related materials are those of the organizers and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.