Call for e-infrastructure resources 2022.2
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Sigma2 provides e-infrastructure resources to meet the needs of researchers from all areas of science. The resources are made available through application procedures to support the best Norwegian research.
Applications are evaluated by a Resource Allocation Committee (RFK), according to the Guidelines for Resource Allocation on the national e-infrastructure.
It is very important to apply to regular calls. This is due to the RFK assigning allocations to projects a few weeks before the start of each allocation period.
The allocation result is announced to the project administrators by e-mail one week before the new period starts. Please check your allocation result and notify us without delay if there are any issues.
Important dates towards 2022.2
The deadline for sending your application is 19 August 2022. Applications arriving after this particular date will be case-handled after the allocation period has started, 1 October.
Before the RFK-meeting, a technical working group, whose members have good knowledge of the characteristics and status of the resources and of the (existing) projects that use the e-infrastructure, meets.
The working group aims to support the RFK in the technical evaluation of the proposals. For each proposal, the working group gathers information about the usage of the facilities by the projects, in particular concerning efficiency, scalability and relevance of the applications.
The RFK evaluates HPC, NIRD and TSD proposals based on scientific merit and the evaluation of science of the research activity and documented needs. RFK evaluates applications according to the Guidelines for Resource Allocation.
Dates for the upcoming RFK meetings are 15 and 16 September.
Before the next allocation period starts, Sigma2 will effectuate RFKs decisions and prepare allocation letters, which is sent to all applicants. The period starts 1 October 2022.
This category provides access to computing and NIRD storage facilities, as well as software, with a far greater capacity than is normally available at department and faculty levels.
The work to be carried out must meet requirements for scientific quality. All applications will be evaluated and eventually granted by the RFK based on scientific merit.
It is the responsibility of the applicants to provide all the information required to evaluate the applications. Computing and storage applications must include funding sources and report scientific results, including records of publications connected with the performed activities, for any previously granted allocations.
Application for storage must include a valid Data Management Plan. See the section “Mandatory Requirements” below.
If the application qualifies, and there is not enough space for a LUMI allocation in the national quota, projects might be allocated to Betzy (LUMI-C applications only), or support will be provided to apply for the EuroHPC EU partition.
This category offers a platform to store, compute and analyse sensitive research data in compliance with Norwegian regulations regarding individuals’ privacy.
Research projects may apply for TSD through this call if the project needs HPC resources or/and capacity storage for sensitive research data.
NIRD Service Platform is a Kubernetes-based data analytics platform allowing pre/post-processing, visualization, and AI/ML workflows. Researchers that have a data storage project might apply for access to the resources on the NIRD Service Platform. Applications can be submitted at any time during the year by sending a mail to contact@sigma2.no. Further guidance will then be provided.
Some resources can be applied throughout the year. These are evaluated by the Sigma2 administration.
Resources for testing are available outside calls. Similarly, applications for Advanced User Support (AUS), the Course Resources as a Service (CRaaS) and Small-scale Exploratory Work (SSEW) are accepted continuously. Apply by sending an e-mail to contact@sigma2.no.
Individuals and groups from the following Norwegian organizations can apply for access to the national e-infrastructure resources:
- Norwegian universities and university colleges
- Governmental Research Centers
- Entities or projects financed by the Ministry of Education and Research or the Research Council of Norway
- Norwegian hospitals
- Industrial parties
Furthermore, to apply for Sigma2 resources you have to fulfil the criteria for applicants for the type of allocation in question.
Written agreements may be established with Sigma2 for different use of the resources. Organizations that do not fall in the above categories but would like to have access, should contact Sigma2.
Sanctions to Russia and Belarus.
Norway has applied sanctions to Russia and Belarus.
How to apply?
The online application form and status of existing allocations is available on the Metacenter Administrative System (MAS) – our online application tool service for researchers using the national e-infrastructure resources.
Please read the guide below prior to applying.
Guide on how to apply for resources
Mandatory requirements
Funding sources
A mandatory requirement in the application scheme is to provide the funding sources. This information is essential to justify the continuing operation and development of the national e-infrastructure.
Report on scientific results
It is also a mandatory requirement that project leaders report the scientific results of previous allocations by linking the allocation project ID to their scientific publications in Cristin.
Please note that it is necessary to link project numbers for both HPC and NIRD storage to the publications.
How to report usage through Cristin
Sigma2 encourages all project leaders to check if their publications are correctly tagged in Cristin and visible in Metacenter Administration System (MAS).
Data Management Plan
Applications for storage must be complemented with a data management plan, either created with easyDMP - NIRD Data Planning or with any other approved tool.
Costs for using the e-infrastructure
HPC, NIRD storage services and Services for Sensitive Data are subject to a User Contribution Model. The cost of the resources depends on the funding supporting the research project.