First Steps for External Researchers

Researchers at German state-recognized universities work with computer-aided methods in their fields of research. For example, experiments can be replaced by simulations, predictions can be calculated, large amounts of data can be analyzed and innovative and secure artificial intelligence methods can be developed.
Computers, as we use them every day, quickly reach their limits. What normal computers need years to do, a high-performance computer only needs a few hours for parallel processing.

1. Apply for Computing Time

Researchers can therefore apply for various computing time quotas on our HPC system. To do so, they must describe the scientific project in an application. If this is approved following an approval procedure, the computing time is made available free of charge. Applications are submitted at national level (Tier 2) via NHR4CES. On the NHR4CES website you will find a step-by-step guide explaining how to apply.

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Please Note

Researchers from NRW with computing time requirements in the engineering sciences also have the opportunity to apply directly to RWTH Aachen University for small computing time projects at local level. These fall under the category RWTH Small and contain <0.36 Mio.Core Hours.

2. Inviting Project Members

Once the project has been successfully reviewed, the project leads (Person of Contact and Principal Investigator) can invite additional members to join the computing time project via the RWTH RegApp. Invited users must first accept the invitation before they can register for an HPC account.

Instructions on how to invite external individuals to participate in the project on the HPC system can be found on our documentation portal IT Center Help.

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3. Registering an HPC Account

After accepting the project invitation, invited users can register their HPC account via the RWTH RegApp.

For more information, visit IT Center Help.

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4. Connection to the Cluster

Access to the HPC systems is only possible from specific networks or via a VPN connection. Various login methods are available.

Instructions on how to use the HPC VPN and the available login methods can also be found on IT Center Help.

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5. Join the Computing Time Project on CLAIX

To access the resources of a computing time project on CLAIX, project managers must also add the project members to the project on the cluster.

You can find instructions for this on IT Center Help.

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6. Support

Do you need our help with your project application, don't know which project is right for you or need support with the performance analysis and optimization of simulation applications, for example? Feel free to contact the IT ServiceDesk or visit our monthly HPC consultation hour.

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