Research Infrastructure: CC* Regional Networking: The Pennsylvania Science DMZ supporting under resourced colleges and universities (PA Science DMZ)

当代科学研究越来越依赖于强大而全面的数据网络。像人工智能这样的数据密集型仪器和方法为研究人员带来了令人难以置信的进步，他们有幸能够访问必要的网络基础设施。不幸的是，即使是能力和连通性方面的轻微缺陷也会严重限制科学发现，尤其是在资源不足的机构。拟议的宾夕法尼亚科学DMZ （PA科学DMZ）项目解决了五个参与机构的关键基础设施和连接差距：宾夕法尼亚州立大学、宾夕法尼亚印第安纳大学（IUP）、拉斐特学院、新肯辛顿数字铸造厂（DFNK）和斯沃斯莫尔学院。在IUP，该项目将立即受益于数据分析和工人安全、机器人和地理空间数据的应用研究，以及加强网络安全和STEM教育。在拉斐特学院，改进的连接将支持分子动力学模拟和生物学研究，在DFNK，它将允许增强外部访问数字学习和演示实验室。斯沃斯莫尔学院将在协作语言学和社会互动研究中采用该解决方案。除了这些直接的应用之外，拟议的PA Science DMZ为许多额外的研究机会打开了大门，无论是在最初的联盟中，还是通过与目前无法获得当代科学关键工具的小型机构的合作。通过实施网络基础设施硬件和人力资源聚合的区域模式，该项目旨在为州内和全国范围内的其他举措提供一个强大且经济高效的模板，从而形成一个更具包容性和互联性的网络基础设施格局。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Contemporary scientific research increasingly relies on robust and comprehensive data networks. Data-intensive instrumentation and methodologies like AI lead to incredible advances for the researchers fortunate enough to have access to the requisite cyberinfrastructure. Unfortunately, even modest deficiencies in capacity and connectivity can sharply limit scientific discovery, especially at under-resourced institutions.The proposed Pennsylvania Science DMZ (PA Science DMZ) project addresses critical infrastructure and connectivity gaps in five participating institutions: Pennsylvania State University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Lafayette College, The Digital Foundry at New Kensington (DFNK), and Swarthmore College. At IUP, the project will immediately benefit ongoing efforts in data analytics and applied research in worker safety, robotics, and geospatial data, as well as enhancing cybersecurity and STEM education. In Lafayette College, the improved connectivity will support molecular dynamics simulations and biology research, and at DFNK it will allow enhanced external access to a Digital Learning and Demonstration Lab. Swarthmore College will employ the solution in collaborative linguistics and social interactions research.In addition to these immediate applications, the proposed PA Science DMZ opens the door to a multitude of additional research opportunities, both within the initial consortium and through collaborations with smaller institutions that are currently unable to access critical tools of contemporary science. By implementing a regional model for aggregating cyberinfrastructure hardware and human resources, the project aims to provide a robust and economically efficient template for additional initiatives within the state and nationwide, fostering a more inclusive and interconnected cyberinfrastructure landscape.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.