Resumen
The article focuses on functions of the U.S.-based Virtual Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility (VNMRF) as of August 1, 2002. The facility is located at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington. Virtual science laboratories like VNMRF represent a compelling vision. They are consistent with the notion laid out by former chairman of the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board of the National Research Council William A. Wulf of a collaboratory or virtual science laboratory as a center without walls, in which the nation's researchers can perform their research without regard to geographical locatio. Such laboratories strive to be open research environments in which scientists from various disciplines collaborate on advanced research using leading-edge instruments and tools while reducing the physical, organizational and political boundaries that might otherwise inhibit them from frilly using their collective skills, abilities, and brainpower to solve the world's most challenging scientific problems.