Director of Research Computing Centre, University of Queensland

The Research Computing Centre (RCC) is a University level Centre that provides coordinated management and support of the University’s sustained and substantial investment in e-Research. RCC is an innovative and multidisciplinary environment that supports collaboration to facilitate discoveries in science and engineering, humanities, and social sciences, through advanced computation, data analysis and other digital research tools. The centre enhances the University’s e-Research infrastructure, and provides support for interdisciplinary research and education. 

Under my lead, the RCC has developed a structure and interaction model that matches the way research is conducted at UQ, leveraging expertise in Faculties, Research Centres, Institutes and other support groups. I have developed a unique, multi-tiered structure that both lowers the gap between researchers and e-Research infrastructure, but empowers those who already have the skills to excel.

The RCC leverages investment by government in initiatives such Queensland Cyber-Infrastructure Foundation (QCIF); and the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDS). It also builds on key support services in the University, namely Information Technology Services (ITS) and the Library.

The RCC aggregates expertise in core e-Research technologies, such as Cloud Computing, Data Management, High performance Computing (HPC), Workflow Tools and Visualisation. Over and above this, it builds an expandable layer of domain expertise, initially in Bio-informatics and Genomics; Computational Engineering; Environment and Ecology; Humanities and Social Sciences; and Advanced Imaging. These domain layers are the primary interface to researchers, and are collaborative ventures with existing groups.

The RCC uses a collaborative funding model, utilising multiple sources, including the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), QCIF, ARDC (NCRIS) and other initiatives.