MESSAGE from the DIRECTOR
Published October 2026
Dear SDSC Collaborators, Partners and All Friends:
Throughout SDSC's 40-year history, we have continually evolved to advance the frontiers of science through innovations in data, computing and AI. As we help shape and navigate AI’s transformative impact on science, technology, education and society, I am excited to share with you that SDSC is leading the U.S. NSF National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR-OC) in close collaboration with our partners at the Texas Advanced Computing Center. From empowering breakthroughs like the computing expertise behind Francis Halzen’s 2026 Nobel Prize-winning IceCube research, to building the future of NSF-funded national research infrastructure through the NAIRR-OC, the National Data Platform and Expanse2, SDSC continues to pioneer what is possible.
In this edition of Innovators, you’ll read about how that national impact extends directly to data security, as SDSC’s cloud infrastructure achieved FedRAMP Moderate equivalency alongside CMMC Level 2 compliance. This milestone makes it possible for us to support U.S. researchers working with federally sensitive information in a secure and compliant environment. We also feature a new project testing innovative power technologies at SDSC to transform how AI data centers manage electricity and protect the power grid.
I hope you enjoy reading about these developments and the people behind them. As always, thank you for your partnership. I look forward to working alongside you to enable the next generation of discovery.
Warm wishes,
Frank Würthwein
SDSC Director