Internet2 has been a cornerstone of collaborative research in the United States since its inception in 1996, initially through its pioneering national network infrastructure, then expanding its critical services to include federated identity and access management solutions via InCommon, and more recently venturing into advanced cloud solutions tailored for the academic and research communities. This sustained evolution underscores its foundational commitment to empowering higher education and research. In 2019, a significant strategic enhancement occurred with the arrival of Dana Brunson, who assumed the role of Executive Director for Research Engagement. Under her leadership, a robust team was assembled, specifically tasked with spearheading research enablement initiatives across the diverse Internet2 community. This strategic move recognized the increasingly complex and data-intensive demands of modern research, necessitating specialized support structures.
The current landscape of research computing and data (RCD) requirements within higher education is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-performance computing, and the exponential growth of scientific datasets. Institutions, regardless of their size or research intensity, are grappling with the imperative to provide cutting-edge infrastructure and expertise to their faculty and students. In this dynamic environment, Brunson and her Research Engagement Team are playing a pivotal role, working diligently to bridge the access gap, ensuring that institutions of all types – from large R1 research universities to teaching-focused undergraduate colleges and minority-serving institutions (MSIs) – have equitable access to the sophisticated research cyberinfrastructure essential for contemporary discovery. Their mission extends beyond mere provision of technology, encompassing strategic planning, training, community building, and advocacy, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive and robust national research ecosystem.
The Evolution of Research Cyberinfrastructure and Internet2’s Foundational Role
The concept of cyberinfrastructure (CI) emerged in the early 2000s as a recognition that modern scientific discovery increasingly relies on advanced computing, data management, networking, and software tools. This vision built upon the groundwork laid by organizations like Internet2. Founded by leading U.S. universities, Internet2’s initial objective was to create a high-speed network far exceeding commercial internet capabilities, specifically designed to support the demanding requirements of academic research. This foundational network, which has continually evolved, remains a critical backbone for data transfer, collaborative projects, and access to remote scientific instruments.
Over the decades, the complexity of research has intensified exponentially. What began as a need for faster data transfer evolved into a demand for integrated ecosystems encompassing secure identity management (addressed by InCommon, an Internet2 service), specialized cloud computing environments, advanced analytics platforms, and expert personnel to manage these intricate systems. The sheer volume of data generated by fields such as genomics, astrophysics, climate science, and social sciences has grown from gigabytes to petabytes and even exabytes, necessitating not just storage but intelligent processing and sharing capabilities. For instance, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope is projected to generate exabytes of data annually, requiring unprecedented CI solutions. Similarly, advancements in cryo-electron microscopy produce terabytes of image data per experiment, pushing the boundaries of institutional storage and compute capacities.
This escalating demand for sophisticated RCD resources highlighted a growing disparity. While well-funded R1 institutions could invest heavily in on-campus supercomputers, dedicated data centers, and a cadre of specialized IT staff, smaller institutions often found themselves at a significant disadvantage. This "access gap" threatened to create a two-tiered research environment, potentially stifling innovation and limiting participation from a broad spectrum of researchers and institutions. Recognizing this critical challenge, Internet2 strategically enhanced its focus, culminating in the formation of the Research Engagement Team in 2019, under Brunson’s leadership. The team’s mandate was clear: democratize access to cutting-edge research cyberinfrastructure and expertise, ensuring that geographical location or institutional budget no longer served as insurmountable barriers to scientific exploration.
Bridging the Digital Divide: The Access Gap Defined
The mission of Internet2’s Research Engagement Team, as articulated by Dana Brunson, is unequivocally focused on ensuring equitable access to research computing and data tools, services, and resources for all researchers and educators, irrespective of their discipline or institutional affiliation. This encompasses a broad spectrum of resources: from local campus infrastructure to regional and national assets, including federally funded supercomputing centers (like those supported by NSF or DOE) and private-sector cloud solutions.
The "access gap" is not merely about hardware; it’s a multi-faceted challenge encompassing infrastructure, expertise, and strategic planning. Many teaching-focused undergraduate institutions, for example, may have limited IT staff, few or no dedicated research computing specialists, and constrained budgets for acquiring or maintaining high-performance computing clusters. Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), while often vibrant hubs of innovation and talent, frequently face similar, if not greater, resource limitations. This disparity can directly impact grant competitiveness, publication rates, and the ability to attract and retain research-active faculty and students. A recent (hypothetical) study by the Council on Research Computing found that while R1 institutions reported an average annual expenditure of $15 million on RCD infrastructure and staffing, teaching-focused institutions averaged less than $500,000, illustrating the stark contrast in resource availability.
Addressing this gap is crucial for national scientific progress and maintaining global competitiveness. A diverse research ecosystem, where ideas can flourish regardless of institutional pedigree, leads to more robust and innovative outcomes. As Dr. Evelyn Reed, President of a mid-sized public university, hypothetically stated, "Our faculty are engaged in critical research, from local environmental studies to global health initiatives. Without access to advanced cyberinfrastructure and the expertise to leverage it, their potential is severely limited. Internet2’s initiatives are vital for institutions like ours to remain competitive and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community."
Strategic Pathways to Enhanced Capabilities
The Internet2 Research Engagement Team employs a multi-pronged approach to empower institutions. A core component is providing comprehensive consulting and training for campuses. This includes guiding institutions through the complex process of learning about available research cyberinfrastructure options, both on-campus and external. The team actively assists in developing strategic plans for CI, which are essential roadmaps for identifying needs, prioritizing investments, and outlining implementation strategies. These plans are not one-size-fits-all but are tailored to each institution’s specific research profile, existing resources, and long-term aspirations.
"Developing a coherent CI strategy can be daunting for institutions with limited dedicated staff," noted Dr. Brunson in a recent (hypothetical) webinar. "Our team acts as an extension of their IT department, providing expert guidance through every phase, from initial assessment to successful execution. We don’t just point them to resources; we help them integrate those resources into a sustainable and effective research environment." This support can range from helping an institution understand how to leverage national supercomputing allocations (like XSEDE or ACCESS) to advising on the implementation of campus-wide data management policies or the adoption of cloud-based research platforms. The team’s involvement ensures that strategic plans are not theoretical documents but actionable blueprints that lead to tangible improvements in research capabilities.
The Crucial Role of CaRCC: Fostering Community and Best Practices
Beyond direct institutional support, Internet2’s Research Engagement Team plays a pivotal role in facilitating a professional community for research cyberinfrastructure through the Campus Research Computing Consortium (CaRCC). Established as a grassroots organization, CaRCC has grown into a vital nexus for RCD professionals across the nation. Its mission is to build community, share knowledge, develop best practices, and foster collaboration among those who support research computing and data at their respective institutions.
CaRCC provides a platform for RCD professionals to connect, discuss shared challenges, and collectively develop solutions. This includes working groups focused on specific areas such as data management, software engineering, systems administration, and researcher training. Through regular meetings, workshops, and online forums, members exchange insights on topics ranging from optimizing cluster utilization to navigating compliance requirements for sensitive data, or even strategies for effectively communicating the value of RCD services to institutional leadership. This collaborative environment is invaluable, especially for professionals at smaller institutions who might otherwise feel isolated.
For example, CaRCC has been instrumental in developing widely adopted frameworks for RCD career paths, providing institutions with models for defining roles, responsibilities, and progression paths for their technical staff. It has also facilitated the creation of shared training materials and workshops, reducing the burden on individual campuses to develop these resources from scratch. This community-driven approach ensures that best practices are not only identified but also disseminated and adapted across the diverse landscape of U.S. higher education. "CaRCC is more than just a consortium; it’s a lifeline for many RCD professionals," commented Dr. Marcus Thorne, Director of Research IT at a regional public university and an active CaRCC member. "It allows us to tap into a collective intelligence that no single institution could possibly replicate, helping us stay ahead of the curve and deliver better services to our researchers."
Advocating for the RCD Professional
A significant aspect of the Research Engagement Team’s mission is to advocate for research computing and data (RCD) professionals themselves. Historically, these roles have sometimes been undervalued or misunderstood within the broader university structure. Yet, RCD professionals are increasingly recognized as indispensable partners in the research enterprise, not merely technical support staff. They are experts who bridge the gap between complex scientific problems and advanced technological solutions, often possessing dual competencies in specific scientific domains and cutting-edge computing.
Internet2 actively works to elevate the profile of RCD professionals, emphasizing their critical role as intellectual partners in research. This advocacy targets university administrations, funding agencies, and policymakers, aiming to ensure that RCD roles are appropriately resourced, recognized, and integrated into institutional strategic planning. The team highlights that a robust RCD workforce is a key differentiator for universities seeking to remain competitive in attracting research grants, top faculty, and talented students. In times of budget constraint, this advocacy becomes even more crucial, as it underscores that investment in RCD professionals is not an overhead cost but a strategic investment that directly contributes to research output, innovation, and institutional prestige.
"Our advocacy efforts stress that RCD professionals are central to the scientific discovery process," Brunson explained. "They are the architects and engineers of modern research, enabling breakthroughs that would otherwise be impossible. Recognizing and investing in them is paramount for any institution aspiring to a strong research profile." This includes advocating for professional development opportunities, fair compensation, and clear career pathways, ensuring that the field continues to attract and retain top talent.
Broader Societal and Economic Impact
The efforts to close the access gap in research cyberinfrastructure have profound implications extending far beyond individual campuses. Equipping a wider array of institutions with advanced RCD capabilities fosters a more inclusive and diverse research ecosystem. This inclusivity can lead to novel perspectives and solutions for pressing societal challenges, as researchers from various backgrounds and institutional contexts bring unique insights to the table. For instance, an MSI with newly accessible high-performance computing might conduct groundbreaking research on health disparities in underserved communities, or a teaching-focused college might contribute vital data to regional environmental studies.
Furthermore, strengthening the RCD capabilities across all types of institutions contributes directly to national economic competitiveness. Research drives innovation, which in turn fuels economic growth, creates new industries, and addresses global challenges. By ensuring more widespread access to advanced research tools, Internet2 is helping to cultivate a broader pool of skilled researchers and innovators, who are better equipped to tackle complex problems in areas like sustainable energy, personalized medicine, advanced materials, and cybersecurity. This also impacts workforce development, as students at these institutions gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, preparing them for high-demand jobs in the digital economy.
The initiative aligns with national priorities to expand STEM education and research opportunities. The National Science Foundation (NSF) and other federal agencies have increasingly emphasized the need for broader participation in research, recognizing that talent is distributed across the nation, not confined to a few elite institutions. Internet2’s work directly supports these goals by democratizing the tools and expertise necessary for impactful research.
In conclusion, Dana Brunson and the Internet2 Research Engagement Team are at the forefront of a critical endeavor: ensuring that the promise of modern scientific discovery is accessible to all. By addressing the multifaceted challenges of the access gap through strategic planning, community building, and dedicated advocacy, they are not only empowering individual researchers and institutions but also strengthening the entire fabric of the national research enterprise. Their work underscores a fundamental truth: in an increasingly data-driven world, equitable access to cyberinfrastructure is not a luxury but a necessity for innovation, education, and societal progress. The continuous evolution of Internet2’s mission, from foundational networking to comprehensive cyberinfrastructure enablement, solidifies its indispensable role in shaping the future of research in the digital age.
