Over the last few decades, innovations in information technology have brought about fundamentally new approaches to research. As a result, research methods, practices, and institutions are evolving into forms quite different from those that have dominated modern science. These changes are so significant that they are leading to theoretical innovations as well. Those involved in information technology in higher education need to be aware of the past, present, and future of IT engagement with research. This article reviews the political, economic, and intellectual developments that shaped the U.S. agenda for research and information technology, describes the contemporary research environment and identifies features that have IT implications, and highlights key computational, networking, and data challenges for tomorrow. (Contains 19 notes.)