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NSF to Transfer NCARWyoming Supercomputing Center to Unnamed Third‑Party Operator

Researchers warn the change risks interrupting access to the nation’s weather‑climate computing backbone.

Overview

  • The National Science Foundation said Thursday the NCAR‑run facility in Cheyenne will move to a new operator that has not been identified.
  • NCAR director Everette Joseph told staff the organization does not know who will manage the center next or when the transition will occur.
  • The center supports more than 1,500 users from over 500 universities and research institutions for Earth system science computing and data services.
  • Former NCAR director James Hurrell and colleagues cautioned NSF that fragmenting NCAR could undermine national modeling efforts, including NOAA’s.
  • Reporting notes NOAA uses the facility for current models and planned upgrades, while some Colorado officials allege the reorganization is politically motivated.