The Arecibo Observatory is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center, a national research center operated by Cornell University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF is an independent federal agency whose aim is to promote scientific and engineering progress in the United States. NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. Additional support is provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The observatory operates on a continuous basis, 24 hours a day every day, providing observing time, electronics, computer, travel, and logistic support to scientists from all over the world. All results of research are published in the scientific literature which is publicly available.

As the site of the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, the observatory is recognized as one of the most important national centers for research in radio astronomy, planetary radar, and terrestrial aeronomy. Use of the Arecibo Observatory is available on an equal, competitive basis to all scientists from throughout the world. Observing time is granted on the basis of the most promising research as ascertained by a panel of independent referees who review the proposals sent to the oObservatory by interested scientists. Every year about 200 scientists visit the observatory facilities to pursue their research project, and numerous students perform observations that lead to their masters and doctoral dissertations.