Open Access, Open Ocean: Marking 75 Years of NSF Through Sustained Ocean Observation
This week, the OOI joins the scientific community in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This milestone marks decades of national investment in science, innovation, and public benefit.
OOI exists because of NSF’s vision and support. Our mission, delivering long-term, openly accessible ocean data, reflects a shared commitment to expanding scientific knowledge and ensuring that access to that knowledge is equitable, inclusive, and available to all.
Open Access Data: A Shared Commitment
The NSF’s mission is rooted in the belief that the progress of science should benefit all and be free from barriers to participation. OOI carries this forward through its core function: providing open access to high-resolution oceanographic data collected from some of the most remote and dynamic regions of the ocean.
OOI’s infrastructure, which spans cabled, coastal, and global sites, captures continuous, multi-dimensional data on key ocean processes. This data, ranging from temperature and salinity to seafloor seismic activity, is made freely available in near real time to anyone: scientists, educators, students, and the public.
For both OOI and NSF, access to data isn’t just a technical feature, it’s a fundamental value. Transparency, inclusivity, and public benefit are central to how we operate.
Investing in Infrastructure
NSF invests in strengthening the nation’s ability to conduct research and turn scientific insights into benefits for society. OOI supports this by maintaining a robust, continuously operating network of ocean sensors and platforms. This infrastructure enables:
- Collaborative research across institutions and disciplines
- Technology testing and innovation in extreme marine environments
- Educational engagement using real-world datasets
- Data-driven decision-making on ocean and climate issues
OOI’s open access model makes it possible for anyone, from seasoned scientists to high school students, to use ocean data to ask questions and find answers.
A Model for Public Science
In a time when access to credible, timely data is more important than ever, OOI’s approach serves as a model for how federally funded science can empower public knowledge and innovation. By making data easier to access and use, we help to ensure that science reaches more people and that the benefits of NSF-funded research are shared more broadly.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Discovery
As the NSF celebrates 75 years, we acknowledge its enduring contributions to scientific advancement and public understanding. Its support for open, collaborative research continues to play a crucial role in driving discovery and responding to the evolving questions shaping science today.
With the continued support of the NSF, OOI is honored to play a role in this shared mission. We remain committed to advancing ocean science, making ocean data widely accessible, and deepening understanding of the ocean’s impact on our planet.
