Resource Allocation Committee (RFK)

The allocation of computing and storage resources follows a strictly regulated and defined evaluation process. Access to the infrastructure is subject to criteria defined in a general policy and detailed guidelines for resource allocation.

Applications for computing, storage facilities and advanced user support resources for projects are evaluated by a Resource Allocation Committee (RFK). The RFK is composed of leading Norwegian scientists from relevant user groups who are appointed by the Sigma2 board.

The RFK evaluates the proposals and awards access to Sigma2 computing and storage resources twice per year. Proposals for access must demonstrate scientific excellence and the scientific need that the resources requested will be used efficiently.

Sigma2 carries out the administration of the RFK and supports the Committee in the evaluation of the proposals and the allocation of resources.

The Resource Allocation Committee (RFK) evaluates proposals for access to the e-infrastructure. The evaluation of proposals can include:

• The scientific merit of the proposed activity
• The need for access to the requested resources
• The feasibility of using the (requested) resources for the proposed activity
• Previous usage and publication

When deemed necessary, the Committee may require and use additional information in the evaluation process, e.g., from experts in the scientific and technical area of a proposal, or experts in techniques for efficient resource utilization. Proposals for large allocations may be sent to external experts.

After each allocation meeting, the Committee produces a list of all proposals, including allocations applied for, approved allocations and a brief motivation for the decisions.

Allocations are granted per allocation period, i.e., a project may apply for, but is not granted
allocations for multiple periods. This limitation is needed to be able to take into account:

• changes in the total amount of allocations requested (by all proposals) for each new allocation period
• regular changes in the available resources/facilities

Limiting the allocations per period allows the projects to be treated equally (or projects are prioritized) in the allocation decisions for each new period, independent of the time when the proposals for these projects were submitted.

Please read through the complete Guidelines for Resource Allocation on the national e-infrastructure before applying.