As part of our ongoing commitment to support and advance the research enterprise at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, the Division of Research (DOR) and the are pleased to share key findings from a recent external review of our research cyberinfrastructure. The review conducted by Internet2 in September 2024 highlights significant challenges in our current cyberinfrastructure and pathways for access, with strategic recommendations to ensure that our infrastructure evolves to meet the growing and specialized needs of our research community.
Executive Summary: The Status of Research Cyberinfrastructure at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ
The assessment focused on five primary areas critical to a robust and forward-looking research ecosystem. Below is a summary of the findings and proposed initiatives:
1. Establishment of a Dedicated Research IT Group
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) has long been a valuable partner in advancing campus technology. While research computing has not historically been a primary focus, OIT's extensive experience in supporting academic and administrative technology can significantly benefit the enterprise needs of research computing. The review recommends forming a dedicated Research IT group within OIT. This team, comprised of research computing and data professionals and facilitators, will provide focused support, strengthen collaborations, and serve as a vital link between faculty, students, and high-performance computing (HPC) resources.
2. Modernization of High-Performance Computing Resources
Our current HPC systems are outdated and ill-suited for the evolving, data-intensive research landscape. A new strategic plan is recommended to establish a 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Advanced Computing and Data organization. This initiative would build upon existing resources, including space, personnel, and funding, to develop a secure and scalable computing environment featuring a condominium model that encourages faculty investment and enhances grant competitiveness.
3. Faculty Engagement, Data Management, and Governance
Practical research computing requires active engagement and structured governance. Presently, gaps in faculty participation and data management practices in the research enterprise pose risks to research quality and compliance. The report proposes establishing a dedicated Advisory Group and revitalizing the Data Governance Committee for research purposes. These bodies will help implement a shared infrastructure and classification scheme that supports robust research and data stewardship across campus.
4. Sustainability and Strategic Funding
Resource limitations and misaligned funding allocations have hindered our ability to scale research support effectively. The review recommends reallocating financial and organizational resources, including those associated with the National Supercomputing Institute (NSI), to create a more responsive and inclusive research infrastructure. This reallocation will underpin long-term growth, foster faculty engagement, and improve our capacity to secure external funding.
5. Optimization of Campus Physical Space
NSI’s current on-campus space remains underutilized. To better serve the research mission, the report recommends redesignating this space to host the new Research IT group and to create welcoming, high-tech environments for collaborative work. These improvements will increase campus visibility, facilitate multidisciplinary research, and provide a foundation for attracting federal investment in training and development.
Looking Ahead
We believe that embracing these recommendations will mark a transformative step forward in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s research journey. By modernizing our infrastructure, engaging faculty and students more deeply, and optimizing our assets, we can strengthen our role as a research leader in Nevada and beyond. We will focus on enhancing the academic experience by providing both faculty and students with access to applied research cyberinfrastructure, which will support the research and educational missions of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.
In the coming weeks, we will begin planning for the implementation of these recommendations. We encourage your participation and feedback as we move forward together to create a thriving, innovation-driven research environment.