The IRTF promotes research of importance to the evolution of the Internet by creating focused, long-term research groups working on topics related to Internet protocols, applications, architecture and technology.

[1][2][3] Unlike the IETF, the task force does not set standards[4] and there is no explicit outcome expected of IRTF research groups.

These groups work on topics related to Internet protocols, applications, architecture and technology.

The chair of the IRTF is appointed by the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) for a two-year term.

These individuals have chaired the IRTF: The IRTF chair is responsible for ensuring that research groups produce coherent, coordinated, architecturally consistent and timely output as a contribution to the overall evolution of the Internet architecture.