The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched an investment programme to advance scientific community datasets and enable innovation through AI. The programme is called NSF Unlocking Dataset Value for AI-Enabled Scientific Discovery programme.
“High-quality scientific data are foundational to advancing an AI-enabled research and innovation ecosystem,” said Ellen Zegura, senior science and engineering advisor in the NSF Office of the Director. “By helping research communities unlock the value of existing data, we can accelerate breakthroughs, drive innovation and strengthen America’s global leaderships.”
Researchers have built many valuable datasets through prior research and many datasets have the potential to be used for new inquiries outside the initial scope of data collection. However, the datasets are not accessible, interoperable or ready to be used by automated AI systems. Many existing datasets also lack a way for a broad array of researchers to contribute and benefit.
AI can speed up data processing and analysis to highlight patterns not as easily noticeable to the human eye. With this in mind, the programme aims to help research communities obtain more value from existing datasets. This could help to advance future projects and make use of existing investments.
Researchers are encouraged to leverage existing resources, including NSF data platforms, the NSF Integrated Data Systems and Services programme, the NSF-led National AI Research Resource, and the American Science and Security Platform built by DOE as part of the White House-led Genesis Mission.
The programme aligns with America’s AI Action Plan, an AI intelligence strategy unveiled by the White House in 2025.
The NSF aims to invest up to USD 1 million through the programme, with awards ranging from USD 2 million to USD 5 million each, and planning grants of up to USD 200,000 each.
The full proposal deadline date is 4th November 2026.
