NCI is proud to announce the launch of our newest access scheme – Adapter.
In response to demand from our current and emerging user communities for a scheme that allows for flexible access to high-performance computing and cloud, NCI is launching a new merit-based access scheme. This new Adapter scheme will facilitate access to data, enable high-throughput compute, and support other new and emerging ways of engaging with Tier-1 high-performance computing and high-performance data resources.
Adapter is designed to identify meritorious research projects that need flexible compute access over a short period. This scheme caters for those users who need smaller compute and data resources in short bursts, rather than those who need millions of compute hours over the course of a whole year.
In Q1 of 2022 NCI will run a pilot program of this scheme with existing users to determine the best ways to provide the necessary flexibility. Working with researchers from a range of fields, NCI will refine access to our systems and services, before opening a general call in February for access starting in April.
The Adapter scheme will run on a quarter-by-quarter schedule, meaning that in each quarter a new call will open for the following quarter. This fast turnaround is intended to add to the flexibility of access as researchers can adjust their application based on short term goals and apply only when they need access.
All fields of research are eligible and encouraged to apply to the Adapter Scheme.
NCI Director Professor Sean Smith has said that computational scientists wanting to try new ways of engaging with compute should consider applying for the scheme.
“NCI is proud to support Australia’s most brilliant researchers and research projects as they develop new approaches to computational problem solving. Through the Adapter scheme, we hope to unlock the potential of Australian science and spark creative workflow design.”
Adapter Q2 2022 allocations of up to 500 kSU per project will be valid for a 3-month period from 1 April 2022 – 30 June 2022. Applications for Adapter Q2 will open in early 2022.
Adapter is NCI’s third merit-based access scheme, joining the annual Australasian Leadership Computing Grants (ALCG) and the National Computational Merit Allocation Scheme (NCMAS). ALCG is designed to support the largest and most ambitious computational research projects with allocations up to 50 MSU, while NCMAS caters for hundreds of leading research groups each year with resources ranging from 500 kSU to around 20 MSU. Adapter is a new standalone merit scheme and is not intended to provide supplemental allocations for projects supported by other merit schemes.
If you are an NCI user and would like to be informed about the Call for Applications for Adapter access in Q2, please contact us with the subject "Adapter Scheme".
For more information on the Adapter scheme, click here: https://bit.ly/AdapterScheme
Media contact: nci.communications@anu.edu.au
