From analyzing large amounts of data to exploring artificial intelligence (AI), University of Iowa researchers rely on powerful technology to support their work.
Information Technology Services (ITS) is making improvements to research computing systems and offering more opportunities for you to learn how to use them. Recent progress includes improving reliability, upgrading technology to meet future needs, and offering more opportunities for you to learn and share feedback.
Helping researchers build new skills
ITS offers workshops and training to help make the most of the university's computing resources.
Earlier this semester, researchers attended hands-on sessions to learn how to use Argon, the university's high-performance computing system. Argon provides access to powerful computing resources for projects that require more processing power than a typical desktop or laptop computer can provide.
Participants learned how to access the system, run computing tasks, and move research data.
ITS also hosted a two-day workshop led by the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center. Iowa researchers explored how AI learns from and recognizes patterns in data and ways to work with large amounts of data.
Visit the research computing website for upcoming workshops and office hours.
Preparing for more powerful research computing
ITS is working on upgrades to Argon to help meet the university's growing research needs.
These improvements will help prepare the system to support projects involving complex calculations, large amounts of data, and AI. Development and testing are underway, and ITS will share updates as the project progresses.
Keeping research technology reliable
Researchers need dependable technology to keep their projects moving.
ITS continues to monitor and maintain research computing services to help ensure they remain reliable and available when needed. Services have operated consistently in recent months.
Connecting to research storage from your own device
Researchers now have a simpler way to access files stored in the university's Large Scale Storage system.
Following your requests, ITS made changes that allow you to connect to shared research storage directly from your own devices while on the university network.
This means you can access the data you need without having to use a separate university computer.
Helping shape what's next
Your feedback plays an important role in improving university technology.
A recent ITS customer satisfaction survey asked about research technology needs and challenges. ITS is using the responses to identify opportunities for better tools, training, and support.
Have a question or suggestion? We welcome your input and are always here to help. Contact the research computing team through the IT Self-Service Portal or reach out to the ITS Help Desk.