HPC Resource Allocation

This process is provided by Intersect to support resource allocation across our various HPC and other resources. It can be used at any time to make requests for access. The formal 2014 Intersect Resource Allocation Round will open in October 2013. Current allocations can be viewed here

Intersect now runs one resource allocation round per year when researchers from member institutions can apply for allocations for both/either Vayu and the new super computer Orange. These calls for applications are for all four quarters of the calendar year.

Both NCI and Intersect are currently upgrading their HPC systems, and this means significantly more resources from 2013 onwards. In most cases it is our intent to allocate resource applications in full.

There are a number of differences for resource allocation rounds from 2013, being:

- allocations are made for the entire year (an application makes one request for each machine for each quarter of the year). This brings Intersect in line with other HPC allocation systems

- all applications to Intersect's HPC systems are made through NCI's forms, (details below).

- all applications must be made by academic staff at an Intersect member institution. We welcome PhD students to make use of the facilities, but require that the lead CI on an application be an academic staff member.

- we now allow multiple requests to be made by applicants. This is to facilitate a PhD student and their supervisors both having separate projects on the facility.

The details for application are:

Forms: https://nf.nci.org.au/accounts/projects_new/APP_form.php

Please select "Intersect" as partner/share

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact our HPC support at hpc_support@intersect.org.au, or your institution’s eResearch Analyst.

Available resources

Intersect's new HPC Orange will be operational in early 2013, more details here

NCI's new peak system will be fully operational in early 2013, more details here.

In addition, members can apply directly to NCI’s Merit Allocation Scheme for resources additional to Intersect’s partner share, and Intersect encourages them to do so.

How are HPC resources allocated?

Requests for Intersect HPC Resources are assessed and allocated by an independent committee known as the Resource Allocation Committee, made up of representatives from each of Intersect’s member institutions.

Important factors the committee considers to determine the allocation of resources include the quality of the research argument, the track record of previous granted resources and the suitability of the chosen hardware and software.

Intersect is keen to encourage the uptake of HPC methods in research across its members. We are actively encouraging new users, including from smaller institutions, non-traditional HPC disciplines, as well as research students, to avail themselves of the opportunity to gain access to major HPC facilities. This means we will accept small-scale "experimental" proposals (at any time), as well as larger proposals for significant levels of resources that are requested through the allocation rounds.

Mid-quarter review

To maximise HPC usage we evaluate the usage of each project after 6 weeks (middle of the quarter) and may re-distribute resources if necessary.

NCI's Merit Allocation Scheme

For compute time in addition to Intersect's partner share of NCI, please consider making an application to NCI's Merit Allocation Scheme (MAS). Please note that MAS applications are made via NCI's (not Intersect's) webpage: https://nf.nci.org.au/accounts/#projects.