Advanced Computing
What we do
The use of digital computing infrastructures is an integral part of contemporary research and is applicable across all research domains. In advancing research excellence and innovation, QCIF Advanced Computing provides researchers and clients with access to powerful computing resources specifically designed and suited for research use, ranging from flexible cloud compute resources through to high-performance supercomputers.
Focus Area
Cloud Compute
QCIF is responsible for the Queensland node of the ARDC Nectar Research Cloud and provides researchers with flexible, cloud-based virtual machines and storage, enabling seamless access to scalable, powerful computing resources.
The Nectar Research Cloud is available to all Australian researchers (across academia, governments and industry) and is accessed using institutional credentials via the Australian Access Federation (AAF). Researchers can submit an allocation request for their project via the Nectar Dashboard, and on the successful granting of resources, can begin to instantiate cloud resources in support their research. Project allocations are valid for 12 months and are renewable.
High-Performance Computing
QCIF provides access to several high-performance supercomputing systems, both at a national level and at an institutional level.
Tier 1 HPC
Through strategic partnerships with the National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) facility and Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, QCIF offers researchers access to its share of the nation Tier-1 high-performance computing (HPC) facilities, being Gadi at NCI and Setonix at Pawsey, outside the National Compute Merit Allocation Scheme (NCMAS).
QCIF aims to provide early-career researchers with an opportunity to gain experience and build their track record using the Tier 1 HPC facilities to strengthen future NCMAS grant applications.
Tier 2 HPC
QCIF brokers access to Bunya of The University of Queensland and operated by its Research Computing Centre.
