For Programs & Organizations


It’s easy to get started.

1

Create an account

To use ACCESS resources and manage your project, create an account.

Register for an ACCESS ID
ID Management FAQ

2

See what resources are available

ACCESS Resource Providers from across the United States provide you access to NSF-funded advanced computing systems and services at no cost to you.

Explore available resources

3

Prepare and request an allocation

With your ACCESS ID, apply for an allocation and receive credits to use a resource. An EXPLORE ACCESS allocation project type is a good place to start. Apply and get access in as little as 1–2 business days.

Get your first project


Quick links:


What type of ACCESS resources are available?

ACCESS Resource Providers from across the United States provide you access to advanced computing systems and services – at no cost to you.

Some of the many resources in the ACCESS portfolio include:

  • Compute resources – High-performance computing clusters (GPU and CPU based) accessed by logging in to front-end nodes. Researchers can install their application software and run batch computing jobs under a scheduler on these resources.
  • Storage resources – Data storage systems for storing and managing large amounts of data.
  • Cloud resources – Cloud infrastructure where researchers can launch and run virtual machines.
  • Science gateways – A community-developed set of tools, applications, and data integrated through a web-based portal or a suite of applications built to use ACCESS resources.

Explore the ACCESS Resource Catalog for a list of current resources.

What are allocation project types and credits?

There are four different ACCESS allocation project types to choose from: EXPLORE, DISCOVER, ACCELERATE and MAXIMIZE. You select a project type based on your research needs – from small-scale use up to large-scale research activities. Each project type has different requirements, duration, review process and credit amounts to use.

About project types
Using and exchanging credits

Where can someone find training and documentation?

Visit the Events & Trainings page. If you join an Affinity Group you’ll get notified of trainings recommended by your Resource Provider or your community group.

The ACCESS Documentation pages contain articles, training materials, user guides, and various other sources of information to assist researchers in effectively utilizing ACCESS resources and services.

The ACCESS Knowledge Base includes training material and documentation contributed by the community on a variety of topics of interest.

How does someone prepare and request an allocation?

With an ACCESS ID, users can apply for an allocation and receive credits to use a resource. They will select an allocation project type based on the scale of their resource needs. An EXPLORE ACCESS allocation project type is a good place to start. Apply and get access in as little as 1–2 business days.

Be prepared to submit a proposal that includes:

  • Scientific background and justification for research
  • Clearly defined research questions
  • A detailed resource usage plan outlining computational needs
  • Justification for the amount of resources requested
  • Information on access to any other computing resources

Get your first project
Prepare your request

Are there tools available to run projects?

ACCESS is “self-serve.” Users connect directly to the resource they need and run the software necessary to complete their task. ACCESS OnDemand is an easy-to-use web interface that provides remote access from any device, without requiring any client software installation. For those who need workflows/pipelines or cross-site runs, Pegasus is an easy-to-use workflow management tool managed from within a Jupyter Notebook.

Are support services available?

Ask.CI is the Q&A forum for the research computing community. Ask a question, answer a question, or add to the discussion.

Campus Champions provide information on ACCESS and cyberinfrastructure resources to researchers and educators on their campuses and they assist users to quickly get start-up allocations of computing time. Find a Champion on your campus!

CCMNet facilitates cyberinfrastructure (CI) mentorship connections and knowledge exchange with other mentor-centric programs, reaching out to under-served groups and providing best practices and guidance on mentorship to benefit the entire CI community. Review currently available mentorships or request a new mentorship engagement to assist with your needs.

ACCESS MATCH services connects researchers with a consultant, student or mentor to help solve your research problems.

Still need help? Open a help ticket and ACCESS or appropriate Resource Provider staff will be happy to answer your questions.

How does someone manage their project and add users?

The researcher, educator, or graduate student will need to have the role of PI, co-PI, or Allocation Manager to request/manage projects and add users.

How to manage your project
How to add users

Are reports and citations required by ACCESS?

Progress reports are required in order to receive the second half of ACCESS credits. At this point, users may request a one-time increase in credits and/or an extension. Upon completion, a final report must be submitted summarizing the work and acknowledging ACCESS. Publications can be added using the My Publications tool.

How to add a publication
How to acknowledge ACCESS

How can someone get involved in the ACCESS community?

There are many ways for researchers, educators, and graduate students to get involved in ACCESS – as a reviewer, moderator, beta tester, mentor, and more.

Get Involved

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