Sustaining Science Infrastructure Is Difficult; Is Commercialization the Answer? The USA National Phenology Network's Experience

Abstract Biological and physical science infrastructure programs play a critical role in supporting scientific discovery. Even with their foundational roles in the process of science, frequently, support for these programs is threatened, reduced, or eliminated, placing critical data and information at risk of interruption or loss. The USA National Phenology Network (USA‐NPN) is a biological infrastructure program that has served science and society by collecting and maintaining observations of the timing of seasonal events in plants and animals since 2009. In 2020, public support for the program was dramatically reduced; since that time, finding support to maintain the program's core functions has been a significant challenge. The USA‐NPN team recently completed an intense effort, supported by the National Science Foundation and the NobleReach Foundation, to explore ways to generate commercial revenue working closely with a commercial new business development specialist. Many different options for generating revenue were considered, and a few, including charging for services previously offered free of charge, have been implemented. However, no options that might readily generate large sums of money to support the USA‐NPN were identified. A key take‐away was that the best chances to sustain the program will be through a combination of funding from multiple sources including federal appropriations and grants, commercial revenue, and philanthropy. The opportunity to work closely with an ambassador from the corporate world has been incredibly worthwhile. The outcomes of this collaboration may be helpful for organizations similarly situated at academic institutions and facing sudden reductions in funding.