High Performance Computing

High-Performance Computing (HPC) refers to the use of supercomputers and computer clusters to tackle complex and resource-intensive computational problems. These systems are specifically engineered to operate efficiently, reliably, and at high speeds by leveraging scalable hardware and software. HPC enables researchers to conduct simulations, perform large-scale data analysis, and solve problems that would be impossible or inefficient using standard personal computers. 

Local HPC solutions

At Radboud University, several research institutes provide localised HPC resources tailored to their fields of study. If you are affiliated with one of these institutes, you may gain access to their computational infrastructure.

SURF Research Cloud 

For those unable to access local HPC resources, Radboud University researchers can utilize external solutions, such as the SURF Research Cloud. This is a flexible cloud environment for data-intensive and compute-heavy research tasks. 

The SURF Research Cloud is a user-friendly platform that combines advanced hardware capabilities with the accessibility of a shared cloud environment, offering several advantages for researchers. You do not have to own or manage your own hardware, while you can still work on complex calculations or large datasets. You can also easily collaborate between institutions and share data safely. Another advantage is that the computational environment of the SURF Research Cloud can be reproduced accurately, assuring consistent results and improving the reusability of scripts and workflows. 

Watch a short introduction video

Using the SURF Research Cloud 

Before you can use the SURF Research Cloud you must first request access to a Research Collaboration. This the foundation on which it is possible to use the SURF Research Cloud, and enables you to assign access rights to the team members in your research project. You can request a Research Collaboration for your team by contacting the RU Organisational Administrator Henry van der Burgt via dcc [at] ru.nl (dcc[at]ru[dot]nl) with the following information: 

  • Collaboration name
  • Collaboration purpose
  • Your Faculty at the Radboud University
  • Expected start- and end date of your research project
  • The name and Radboud University e-mail address of one or more collaboration administrator(s). 
  • Optional: project website
  • Optional: collaboration logo 

After your Research Collaboration has been created you will be provided with more information on how to gain access to the SURF Research Cloud. Please note that it may take 1 to 2 weeks before you can start using the SURF Research Cloud as you will have to request credits from NWO for the computing power that you will use.  

Support for the SURF Research Cloud 

Do you require support while using the SURF Research Cloud? Depending on your questions you can consult one of the following sources: 

  • The SURF Service desk provides a lot of information for SRAM and the SURF Research Cloud. 
  • For general questions or technical support, create a ticket using the SURF service desk portal. 
  • For questions related to the collaboration creation process, contact the dcc [at] ru.nl (Digital Competence Centre). 

Contact

Do you have questions? Please contact the Digital Competence Centre.