Call for e-infrastructure resources
Author: Vigdis Guldseth
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.
Applications submitted after the deadline will be processed once the period has started, in the order they were submitted.
Important dates towards 2023.2
The deadline for sending your application is 20.08.2023. Applications arriving after this particular date will be evaluated after the allocation period has started, 1 October.
Before the RFK-meeting, a technical working group containing HPC-experts meets. The working group supports the RFK in the technical evaluation of the proposals.
Before the RFK-meeting, a technical working group containing storage service experts meets. The working group supports the RFK in the technical evaluation of the proposals.
The RFK evaluates HPC 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.
The RFK evaluates HPC 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.
Sigma2 effectuates RFKs decisions, prepares and distributes the allocation letters to all applicants.
The period starts 1 October 2023.
This category provides access to computing and NIRD storage facilities, as well as software, with a far greater capacity than usually is 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 an e-mail to contact@sigma2.no.
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.
How to apply?
The online application form and status of existing allocations are available on the administration system (MAS) – our online application tool service for researchers using the national e-infrastructure resources.
Please read the guide below before applying.
Guide on how to apply for resources
Mandatory requirements
Funding sources
A mandatory requirement in the application scheme is to provide 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
Data Management Plan
Storage applications 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.
Due to the economic situation and the universities, it has become necessary for BOTT to reduce their funding to only cover operational costs, in line with other users. This entails changes to our User Contribution Model, and we ask all to familiarize themselves with the revised model prior to applying for resources.
The revised model can be found here:
User Contribution Model
Additional information about the outcome of the renegotiation with BOTT