NSF Test Bed: Toward a Network of Programmable Cloud Laboratories (PCL Test Bed) NSF 25-541

This program seeks to establish and facilitate the operation of distributed autonomous laboratory facilities. These laboratories will combine technological and human capacity to enable integration, testing, evaluation, validation, and translation of cutting-edge technology solutions in automated science and engineering. The PCL Test Bed will consist of a set of Programmable Cloud Laboratory Nodes (PCL Nodes) that can be remotely accessed to run custom workflows specified and programmed by users, that are linked together via computational networking, shared science questions, and data and artificial intelligence (AI) standards.

Proposals must have a set of well-defined science drivers poised to derive significant benefit from targeted use of the PCL Test Bed capabilities, including but not limited to synthesis, optimization, and/or characterization experiments, in specific sub-disciplines within materials science, biotechnology, chemistry or other areas of science and engineering. These science drivers will guide the protocols and standards necessary for each node and facilitate collaboration across the Test Bed.

NSF plans to support 4-6 PCL Nodes, at up to $20 million each for 4-years. The PCL nodes will be remotely accessed to run custom workflows specified and programmed by users. Only existing shared instrument facilities, or labs of similar capabilities, may submit a proposal to this program. PCL Nodes are expected to develop and implement plans for continued operation after the period of this award.

– Full details: www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/pcl-test-bed-test-bed-toward-network-programmable-cloud-laboratories/nsf25-541/solicitation
– A pre-recorded webinar on the program: www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/pcl-test-bed-test-bed-toward-network-programmable-cloud-laboratories/updates/120118

UCI may submit only one proposal in response to this call.

Interested applicants are asked to submit an internal proposal to the Office of Research (via the UCI Review application portal) by October 1^st at 11:59 pm. The internal application should include the following:

• a two-page project abstract addressing key components/criteria for this specific grant program
  • (as noted previously in this announcement: Proposals must have a set of well-defined science drivers poised to derive significant benefit from targeted use of the PCL Test Bed capabilities, including but not limited to synthesis, optimization, and/or characterization experiments, in specific sub-disciplines within materials science, biotechnology, chemistry or other areas of science and engineering).
• a 2-3 page CV/biosketch for the PI and the Co-PIs.

If necessary, an ad hoc committee will convene to review the internal proposals and the selected PI(s) will be notified in time to meet the November 20, 2025 NSF submission deadline.

Questions about our internal campus review process may be directed to Mike Gallo at magallo@uci.edu.