The purpose of Research Computing Consulting Services is to empower the University of Louisville research community with expert guidance and technical support for optimizing code, workflows, and computational strategies. These services help researchers accelerate discovery, improve efficiency, and maximize the impact of their computational work, including support for grant writing, system design, and budgetary planning.
Overview of Service
Research Computing Consulting is managed by the Research Computing team and ITS, offering personalized assistance for code optimization, workflow design, resource selection, scripting, data visualization, and proposal development. The service is available to all researchers, regardless of discipline or experience level.
Key Features:
- Code optimization and workflow analysis for HPC and HTC environments
- Guidance on selecting appropriate computing resources (Zurada, LARCC, BDAP, cloud, etc.)
- Scripting support (e.g., Bash, Python) and workflow automation
- Data visualization strategies and tool recommendations
- Grant writing support, including system design and budgetary quotes
- Training and documentation for computational best practices
- Collaboration with research groups on complex or interdisciplinary projects
Benefits:
- Accelerated research timelines and improved computational efficiency
- Enhanced reproducibility and scalability of research workflows
- Increased competitiveness for grant funding
- Access to institutional expertise and advanced computing resources
- Support for both new and experienced computational researchers
Intended Audience:
Faculty, researchers, graduate students, and research groups seeking to optimize computational research or develop competitive grant proposals.
Service Details
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Core Activities:
- Analyze and optimize research code for performance and scalability
- Advise on workflow design and resource allocation
- Assist with scripting, automation, and data visualization
- Provide technical input and quotes for grant proposals
- Deliver training sessions and workshops on research computing topics
- Collaborate on system design for specialized research needs
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Associated Platforms:
University HPC/HTC systems (Zurada, LARCC, BDAP), cloud platforms, data storage systems, and visualization tools
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Performance Metrics:
- Consultation response and completion times
- Researcher satisfaction and adoption rates
- Number of successful grant proposals supported
- Improvements in workflow efficiency and code performance
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Collaboration:
Managed by the Research Computing team in partnership with ITS, departmental IT, and research groups.
Boundaries and Constraints
- Services are limited to university-affiliated research projects.
- Support is subject to resource availability and project scope.
- Grant writing support is focused on technical/system design and budgetary planning.
- Researchers are responsible for implementing recommended changes unless otherwise arranged.
Eligibility
All University of Louisville faculty, staff and students engaged in research are eligible for consulting services. Priority may be given to projects with significant computational needs or grant deadlines.