Research computation, analysis and visualisation

High-performance computing

Griffith operates two high-performance computing systems, which support analyses and simulations that require high-end computational capabilities, including parallel processing. Cluster resources can be allocated to meet specific project requirements, or deployed as a pool resource via a batch scheduling system. The cluster can run a number of different software packages crossing a number of diverse disciplines such as biochemistry, engineering, medicine, environmental science and Information Technology. We can also access external resources.

Programming support is available for Griffith researchers who would like to use this facility.

Scientific software support

Programming/scripting support is available for tasks such as:

• automating data processing tasks that need to be done repeatedly
• processing very large datasets
• complex data processing that requires advanced programming skills.

Support for database technologies is available to assist with tasks such as:

• database design
• importing datasets, for example, from Excel spreadsheets
• developing database queries
• exporting data for analysis with other software tools.

Assistance with popular data analysis software (such as R, python, Matlab and ArcGIS) can be provided where an eResearch support staff member has the required skills.

Griffith has negotiated licensing agreements for many products used for data analysis, modelling and simulation. Products available free-of-charge or at subsidised rates include but are not limited to:

• MATLAB: mathematical modelling and visualisation
• Nvivo: qualitative analysis
• SAS: statistical analysis
• SPSS: statistical analysis
• ArcGIS: geographical mapping and analysis
• Ansys: engineering computation tool
• Products and pricing can be obtained via the Software website.

Consulting for other research computation

• Requirement gathering and consultation to determine client needs for research.

Visualisation of research data

• Facilities and expertise are available to help researchers visualise research data for various fields. Examples include environmental science, DNA research, construction engineering and chemical engineering.
• Example products of this service include a multi-screen visualisation system and scripting in R to generate a chart from selected data.

Infrastructure provisioning

• Requirement gathering and provisioning of hardware, software, network resources and services required for the existence, operation and management of research and research related activities.

Discipline-specific tools for analysis, computation and visualisation

• The team provide access and support for applications developed for specific disciplines to assist that area with their research impact and outcomes.
• Biodiversity and Climate Change Virtual Laboratory (BCCVL): A “one-stop modelling shop” that simplifies the process of biodiversity-climate change modelling. It integrates a suite of tools in a coherent online environment where researchers can access data and perform data analysis and modelling.
  • Website: http://www.bccvl.org.au/
  • This is offered as a self-service application and is free of charge
• Terranova: A software system that acts as a central information hub for researchers in the Climate Change Adaptation research domain. Users can deposit research data, with associated metadata descriptions, into centrally managed storage infrastructure, which can be searched in a variety of different ways.
  • Website: https://terranova.org.au/
  • This is offered as a self-service application and is free of charge
• Microscopy Portal: This service uses the software Columbus, from Perkin Elmer. It integrates tightly with the Opera and Operetta High Content Imaging Systems and is based on the OMERO system by Open Microscopy Environment. It can visualise images and microscopy media from most many microscopes via the Bioformats library. Analysis tools are available via building blocks. This allows you to easily create and customise algorithms to compare multiple samples, plates or batches. Visualised results can then be exported to formats such as Excel and PowerPoint and can interface with Accelrys Pipeline Pilot, IDBS ActivityBase and Velocity.
  • Website: http://microscopy.griffith.edu.au/
  • Support request
  • Request account webform
  • This is offered as a self-service application and is free of charge

External eResearch resources

Several external organisations also provide resources and services to Australian researchers for their data computation, analysis and visualisation.

These organisations include:

• National eResearch Collaboration Tools and Resources (NeCTAR) -  'research cloud' services.
• National eResearch Collaboration Tools and Resources (NeCTAR) - Virtual Laboratories.
• Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation (QCIF) - provides research computing infrastructure.
• Queensland Facility for Advanced Bioinformatics (QFAB) - assists life science researchers with analysis of large datasets.
• Research Data Storage Infrastructure (RdSI) - national infrastructure able to hold collections of research data.
• National Computing Infrastructure (NCI) - Australia’s national research computing facility, providing world-class services to Australian researchers, industry and government.
• Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet): AARNet delivers high-capacity leading-edge communications services to the nation's universities, research organisations, and many schools, vocational training providers and cultural institutions.

Support and maintenance of these services is undertaken by the external organisation. Please visit the website associated with the resource for contact details.

Note: eResearch Services partners with researchers on projects and can supply skilled staff for short-term projects. Situations will vary depending on the work and funding arrangements.