The United States National Science Foundation has awarded UC Santa Barbara a significant $20 million grant over four years. This substantial funding is designated for the establishment of one of the nation’s 20 programmable cloud laboratory nodes at the university. This new facility will be known as the Computation-Optimized Automated Soft materials Technology Programmable Cloud Laboratory, or COAST PCL.
COAST PCL is designed as an automated, centralized research facility. Its primary purpose is to provide remote access for scientists across the country. Cloud laboratories, in general, leverage advanced technologies such as machine learning to predict experimental outcomes. They employ artificial intelligence algorithms that are crucial in helping researchers effectively analyze large and complex sets of data. This methodology has already proven valuable in diverse research domains, including genetic engineering.
UCSB’s specific application of this cloud laboratory will center on polymer and soft-materials research. The facility is expected to play a vital role in preserving crucial information that is often “routinely lost” within polymer science. By doing so, it aims to create a comprehensive collection of research data and insights that can be readily utilized by scientific researchers throughout the nation, fostering broader collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The new COAST PCL will integrate with and be built around the existing BioPACIFIC MIP research infrastructure located at UCSB's OASIS laboratory. The OASIS laboratory, situated in Goleta, has been operational since fall 2025, actively engaging student researchers in its work. With the establishment of the COAST PCL, the OASIS laboratory's advanced equipment will become accessible to research scientists nationwide. To manage this expanded access, a vetting process has been put in place for researchers who apply to work remotely at the facility.
BioPACIFIC MIP itself is recognized as a materials innovation platform. It receives funding from the National Science Foundation and is jointly led by UC Santa Barbara and UC Los Angeles. Researchers seeking to utilize BioPACIFIC MIP's resources can apply for access to its synthesis and characterization instruments. Once approved, they will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with staff to plan their experiments, operate the sophisticated equipment, and accurately interpret their resulting data.
This substantial grant award was publicly announced this summer by 24th District Congressman Salud Carbajal. Addressing the faculty of the Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering, Congressman Carbajal extended his congratulations to UC Santa Barbara, emphasizing the significance of the achievement by stating, "This is a big freaking deal."