The Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS) performs long-term, fundamental research in areas of computer science, scientific computing, and information systems that are relevant to the achievement of NASA's future goals and missions. In addition, RIACS conducts research into how advances in information technology can be applied most effectively to other scientific disciplines pertinent to NASA. In these roles, RIACS augments the capabilities of NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), which is tasked to conduct advanced information technology research that enables NASA missions.

RIACS was established at ARC in June 1983, initially under a three-year contract with the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). During the Annual Report period, RIACS was operated by USRA via cooperative agreement NCC-2-1006, which began on October 1, 1997 and ended September 30, 2003. This cooperative agreement represents an expanded scope and enhanced role for the Institute, ensuring its growing contributions to ARC's fundamental role in support of NASA missions via advanced information technology research. During the agreement period, RIACS has pursued new research thrusts, expanded its research staff from 4 to nearly fifty, and increased its education and public outreach (E&PO) activities. As of September 2003, the Institute employed 49 full-time scientists (7 of them on loan to NASA under the IPA program) and shared a business office with SOFIA, another USRA organization also based at ARC.

RIACS scientists are collocated with and actively engaged in cooperative research and development with NASA scientists on information technology projects applicable to future NASA missions. Several RIACS scientists collaborate with NASA on interdisciplinary projects applying information technology to NASA science activities ranging from astrobiology to earth sciences. RIACS scientists also strive to engage the broad university research community in their research by hosting visiting scientists, student interns, seminars, by cooperating with academic research teams, and by organizing and sponsoring workshops and conferences.

Research projects are regularly reviewed by an eminent Science Council.