Cloud Computing for Research Competency Centre
Providing free expertise, support, training and tools to help researchers harness the power of cloud computing for their projects.
Are you curious about the potential of cloud-based capabilities? Do you need significant computing power or the ability to handle large datasets for your research? Whether you need advice on the best cloud providers, are considering moving research to the cloud or are looking for support on scaling your research, the Centre’s team of research software engineers can help.
A part of Oxford’s Digital Transformation, the Centre aims to help maximise the power of cloud computing of research. Cloud computing can help save time and money, make research more accessible, and increase efficiencies. If you need support with cloud computing, we can help.
Having the support of the Competency Centre made this project timeline happen faster.
We offer
- Consultancy sessions: Book a session with us for advice on if the cloud can work for you and the best providers, tools and methods to make it happen. Complete the enquiry form to arrange a session, and our team will get in touch.
- End to end support: Our team can work with you as you move to the cloud and support you every step of the way. We can help build and implement solutions including cost optimisation, hardware requirements, software implementation, data safety, security and governance.
- Tools: To help you move to the cloud in the best way, we develop and maintain a range of tools, including a cloud provider comparison tool.
- Training: A range of in person and self-serve training covering platforms including Microsoft Azure, AWS and GCP.
- Tailored training and events: Personalised in-person sessions for teams or at events. Contact us to book a session for your team.
I like the atmosphere of the lab very much. We are encouraged to make beyond-the-manual attempts with the free account and we can raise questions. Although I am not completely new to AWS, I did have some revision and exploration in this introductory session.
How we can work together
Our team of technical experts and research software engineers can help you determine if cloud-based solutions are right for your research.
We work with a range of colleagues, from researchers who are unsure where to begin with cloud computing to those upscaling and looking to support large volumes of data. We can support you if you are looking to integrate AI into your research data or keen to remain compliant and follow best practice.
As well as providing help and support, we can signpost you to other resources. We work closely with:
- Advanced Research Computing (ARC)
- Biomedical Research Computing (BMRC)
- Oxford Research Software Engineering Group (OxRSE)
- Other Competency Centres
- Vendors including Microsoft Azure, AWS and Google Cloud.
News and case studies
How research colleagues are developing their digital competencies
FAQs
Please contact us by emailing researchcloud.ai-cc@it.ox.ac.uk to arrange a tailored talk or training.
Our custom built tool serves as a resource for individuals and organisations looking to understand and compare different cloud computing options, while also providing insights into the cost of each resource. This can be useful for researchers who need to estimate expenses for grant proposals and budget planning.
Cost reduction in cloud computing for research and software development requires a strategic approach to optimise resources while maintaining performance and scalability. This includes right-sizing resources, leveraging reserved and spot instances, adopting serverless computing, optimising storage and networking, and using containerisation for efficiency. Writing efficient code that minimises computational overhead, reduces redundant processing, and optimises database queries is essential for lowering cloud costs. Continuous cost monitoring and multi-cloud strategies further help achieve long-term savings without compromising performance.
We aim to provide basic code samples for all cloud providers in our GitHub organisation.
Contact us
ResearchCloud.ai-cc@it.ox.ac.uk
Expression of Interest form
Express your interest in understanding and leveraging cloud technologies to enhance your research work.
Training workshops
Find out more about a range of in-person and self-paced training on using cloud based tools