Resource Allocation Scheme
RAS Round Five
- 24 April: RAS Round Five call for applications
- 24 May: Applications close (without exception)
- 01 July: Resource allocation is made available to successful projects
Do I need to apply for resources in RAS Round 5?
Successful Round 4 (2012) users who are content with their current allocation of resources do not need to apply for the mid-year round. Round 6 will be advertised in October for access to resources in 2013.
Existing users with active projects, who had their resource allocation capped in Round 4, will be eligible for an automatic increase of resources based on a revised cap setting. Users may be contacted by the PCF Manager to discuss this further.
Unsuccessful Round 4 applicants and potential new users will need to apply for resources in RAS Round 5. Most applications are expected to be for access to the new Blue Gene/Q. Stage 2 also includes additional nodes and cores on Merri (x86) and as more users migrate to the BG/Q, some other x86 resources will be freed up and available for allocation in this Round.
You are strongly recommended to read the help page for tips on writing a successful RAS application.
Start a RAS Round Five application now: RAS Round Five Application.
Introduction
The Resource Allocation Scheme (RAS) is the formal process through which VLSCI resource grants are allocated. There is usually one annual RAS round with calls for applications in October. Applications are evaluated and resources are granted subject to the VLSCI Terms and Conditions. New projects or projects that were not eligible at the start of the last RAS round but are now, may submit a application to obtain resources until the end of the current RAS period (however, altered arrangments may apply once the call for the next RAS Round has been issued). Please contact the VLSCI Help Desk (see icon to right of this page).
Who can apply ?
Staff members of a Victorian public research institution (including Victorian Higher Education Institutions, Medical Research Institutes, Teaching Hospitals and Victorian-based CSIRO Laboratories) and postgraduate students (through their supervisor) are eligible to apply to the Resource Allocation Scheme. Please also read about the Types of Projects we support.
Timetable
This call for applications opens on 24 April, 2012. Applications should then be submitted within a month and results announced in June. Application will be via an online process and its important to note that the on line tool we use, and our own time table will not allow any late applications to be submitted.
The RAS Committee will meet early June, 2012 and resources will be made available from 01 July 2012 until mid-2013.
Another round will be held in October 2012 to apply for resources for 2013.
Startup Grants can be applied for at any time and holders of a Startup Grant can submit a full RAS Application covering resources until the end of that year.
Costs of Access
There will be no charge for use of computational resources granted by the RAS Committee. Usage of data storage beyond that granted for a project may incur a charge.
The PCF has a budget to install application software and datasets that are commonly used by the life sciences research community. Commercial software required by only one project will be considered by the RAS committee and if awarded may be purchased by VLSCI at the PCF manager's discretion.
Note that a grant by the RAS Committee does not imply that the VLSCI will necessarily acquire any software requested for that project.
Users are expected to access the Peak Computing Facility via AARNet. The PCF will cover the AARNet charges that it incurs, but users must pay for any communications charges billed directly to them from AARNet and any other data communications organisations that they may use.