Bill · S. 2676· Senate(119-S-2676)
Cloud LAB Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 8/1/2025
- Last activity
- 8/1/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Todd Young
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Cloud LAB Act of 2025 directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a cloud laboratory network pilot program. This program involves creating a network of physical laboratories equipped with advanced robots that can be controlled remotely by scientists. The network aims to coordinate activities between government-established labs and those run by private industry, academic institutions, or other entities. Through this network, researchers can access high-quality biological data and experimental instrumentation. The program includes specific phases for awarding grants to develop and operate these cloud laboratories. Finally, the entire program is scheduled to sunset 12 years after its enactment.
Yes· 3 of 11
Does this put more money into scientific research?+7
The bill creates a new infrastructure for biological data and automated experimentation through NSF grants.
Does this put more money into medical research?+5
The act establishes a new grant program to fund and operate high-tech cloud laboratories.
Would students be better off under this?+4
The bill enhances research capabilities for academic researchers and teaching institutions.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Research Access: The program aims to provide researchers with access to high-quality experimental instrumentation and data collection to advance individual research projects (Section 3(a)(4)(B)).
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Support for Underresourced Institutions: The advisory board is tasked with ensuring that cloud laboratories increase access to high-end laboratory equipment for underresourced entities (Section 3(d)(iii)(v)(IV)).
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Equitable Research Opportunities: The implementation plan must include a mechanism for access that gives special consideration toward providing equitable access (Section 3(b)(2)(E)(i)).
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Support for Nonproprietary Work: The plan for access must allow users doing nonproprietary work to access these laboratories at no or minimal cost (Section 3(b)(2)(E)(ii)).
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Improved Data Accessibility: The program requires a plan to ensure that biological data is made available and accessible to authorized researchers as a public resource in a secure and accessible format (Section 3(b)(2)(D)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Costs for Researchers: While nonproprietary work is mentioned as low cost, the implementation plan must include a payment or subscription model required to access the cloud laboratory infrastructure and data (Section 3(b)(2)(E)).
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Security Risks: The need for plans addressing cybersecurity, biosecurity, and research security implies that there are potential risks associated with the use of these automated, remote-controlled laboratories (Section 3(b)(2)(H)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Business Owners+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+7
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+5Improves Pandemic Preparedness+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 8/1/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey