2008-05-28:

Call for advanced user support projects targeting grid applications

A call is opened for advanced user support projects targeting grid-enabling of scientific applications. The intention is to improve the overall utilization and distribution of the work loads within the Norwegian eInfrastructure for applications that are important to a large number of researchers in Norway, and enable collaborative research and efficient sharing of knowledge and resources with research groups abroad. (A similar call is opened simultaneously by the Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing - SNIC.)

An introduction to grid computing is provided on http://www.norgrid.no/support/started/

Examples of proposals that are welcomed in this call are:

• Grid-enabling of applications. This includes e.g., the creation of grid run-time environments for specific applications or a class of applications. Run-time environments provide a standardized user interface to e.g., application software in a way that is independent of the details of the local installation of the application or computing platform (OS, hardware, etc.). Runtime environments are typically required by research groups using a common set of software that is available on multiple resources. Grid-enabled resources (e.g., compute and storage nodes) in the national eInfrastructure must be able to execute jobs that are submitted through such run-time environments
• Development of Science Gateways. Gateways enable entire communities of users associated with a common scientific goal to use national resources through a common interface.

Deadline for proposals is 2008-06-30. Proposals will be evaluated shortly after the deadline. Coordination with similar proposals to SNIC is encouraged. It is expected that 2-3 projects will be funded. Projects can start early autumn (mid-September). The project duration is expected to be 6-18 months (ending no later than 2009-12-31).

How to apply for advanced user support projects is described on http://www.notur.no/support/advanced/

The proposals should maximize the impact on the national eInfrastructure, and preferably also enable international (e.g., Norwegian-Swedish) collaborative projects and sharing of resources. Proposals should:

• target scientific applications that are used by many researchers, also internationally, and consume large allocations on the national eInfrastructure(s)
• considerably lower the threshold of using high-end compute and storage resources
• use internationally accepted standards, tools, and interfaces
• reduce time-to-solution (i.e., job turn-around time)
• add considerable and permanent value to the national eInfrastructure and Norwegian scientific communities

Proposals should demonstrate that the results of the project will be used in a self-sustained manner by research groups or IT-centers after the project has ended (i.e., extension of the project for further development or support should not be needed).

For more information, please contact UNINETT Sigma.