Advanced Research Computing (ARC)

Description

The Advanced Research Computing (ARC) unit, a component of the Research Division of the university, provides dedicated computing support to academic researchers across all faculties, necessitating the use of computers for research. Offering facilities, expertise, and connections among disciplines, it enhances the services of Computing and Information Services. ARC activities range from basic coding assistance to backing research that necessitates high-performance computing.

In today's complex research landscape, including the sciences, arts, humanities, social sciences, and business sectors, digital technology and data-intensive methods are inevitable underpinnings. Research computing, the innovative utilisation of computer technology and software, bolsters research.

ARC aims to allow Durham University to utilise computational and data-intensive research computing practices across all disciplines. The unit was established following extensive internal and external consultation, with academic and industrial partners identifying the need for comprehensive computational support to expand world-leading research at Durham.

The unit's key objectives are to:

Promote software engineering and best development practices across all research domains.
Preserve expertise garnered from university projects to bolster further research.
Formulate a widespread platform management and investment strategy for the university's intensive computing and HPC facilities resources and services.
Develop and support Communities of Practice for knowledge and expertise sharing.
Facilitate high-quality interdisciplinary projects via internal and external brokerage.
Ensure researchers are updated with the latest computational technologies and receive appropriate training.