Full National Service
Overview
Full National Service is the primary mechanism through which researchers gain access to ICHEC resources. It provides access to general purpose computing resources, ranging from short "Discovery" projects to large multi-year "Grand Challenge" consortia. Access to a certain level of resources without going through and in addition to the National Service application process is also available to researchers from UCD, NUIM and NUIG through specfic arrangements these colleges have made with ICHEC. Further details can be found here. This facility is due to be expaned further with the upcoming upgrade of the Stokes system.
Please read the information provided below then apply using the online application link at the end of the page:
- Eligibility
- Project Classes
- Project Limits
- Application Requirements
- Application Evaluation
- Application Form
Eligibility
In order to be granted a Full National Service project the applicant must comply with the ICHEC eligibility criteria.
Access to the Full National Service is subject to the ICHEC Acceptable Usage Policy.
Project Classes
There are three project classes available, each with differing resource allocations, review levels and review turnaround times. Applicant should choose the class of project that best fits their requirements. Applicants are also advised to consider forming consortia with other researchers when applying.
Class A "Grand Challenge"
Class A projects are intended for consortia concerned with "Grand Challenge" problems. These groups will require resources representing a substantial fraction of the centre's resources over a long period of time. Successful applications are expected to yield high-impact scientific publications.
Class A project project applicants are expected to have a good knowledge of the characteristics of the code(s) which they intend to use - such as scalability properties - before writing their proposal. For this reason, applicants who are not in such a position are advised to first apply for an exploratory Class C project in order to undertake a basic scalability and performance study. Such an exercise is essential to provide an accurate estimate and a proper justification of the resources requested. If you intend to use packages supported by ICHEC, you may contact us via the Helpdesk as we can assist you in this task.
Class B "Regular"
Class B projects are intended for the needs of the bulk of the research community. Typically applicants will be small research groups or individual researchers. Successful applications will still be expected to lead to refereed publications.
Class C "Discovery"
Class C projects are intended to provide fast access to modest resources with less review overhead. They have multiple possible uses including: introductory access for inexperienced HPC users; exploratory access for researchers who need to develop, port, optimise or benchmark codes; easier access for users planning small scale runs with very modest requirements; immediate access for researchers awaiting Class A or Class B application approval.
Class C project applicants should note that the maximum resource levels are modest and will be exhausted very quickly if larger scale runs are performed.
Project Limits
Each project class has its own distinct limits on duration and resource allocation. The table below shows the limits imposed on the various project classes, including resources, and review processes:
| Class A "Grand Challenge" |
Class B "Regular" |
Class C "Discovery" |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Max CPU (Stokes/Stoney*) |
4,500,000 Core Hours | 600,000 Core Hours | 25,000 Core Hours |
| Max Storage (Stokes/Stoney) |
1,500 GB | 500 GB | 50 GB |
| Max Project Duration | 36 Months | 24 Months | 12 Months |
| Application Acceptance | Continuous | Continuous | Continuous |
| Max Review Duration** | Within 12 Weeks of submission | Within 6 Weeks of submission | Within 2 Weeks of submission |
* A core hour on Stoney is equivalent to 1.39 core hours on Stokes. This conversion ratio was established empirically using a set of benchmarks run with commonly used applications on both systems.
** In a minority of cases despite the best efforts of both the Science Council and ICHEC these targets are exceeded, generally in cases involving international peer review. In this evant an applicant may contact ICHEC to request interim access. Resources proportional to the application will be provided until a verdict is reached. Should this be positive the advanced resources will be subtracted from the award. This measure allows applicants to proceed with their work as planned, however it in no way influences the verdict that will be reached.
Application Requirements
A project application requires that basic information be supplied along with a detailed project proposal document.
Basic Information
The following basic information is required to apply for a Full National Service project:
- Project Class - The class (see above) that best suits the project requirements.
- PI Details - Basic contact information. In the case of Class A applications details should also be provided for any co-investigators.
- Project Details - Basic project details. This will include a title, scientifc area, funding source, funding grant number, proposed start date, proposed duration, and resource requirements.
- Abstract Document (PDF) - A short abstract document in PDF format. The contents of this document will be made publicly available.
Detailed Project Proposal
A project proposal document in PDF format is the most important of the application. It should provide sufficient information for review of the application and in particular it should show the likelihood of it generating suitable scientific output for that project class. It should also include a case for support outlining how access to ICHEC facilities will improve the applicant's research.
The following information is required for all applications:
- Context and Outcome - How does your proposal fit within your research discipline and in what ways will it contribute to the global advancement of science. Applications for Class A projects should take care to explain the "Grand Challenge" nature of their project.
- Methodology - Explain the approach you intend to follow to meet your objectives. For example, which algorithm(s) and simulation technique(s) do you intend to use, which code(s), etc.
The following additional information is required for Class A and Class B applications:
- Justification - Describe the performance and properties of the code you intend to use (assuming it already exists - if not, please specify), etc. Explain how many runs you intend to carry out, their memory requirements, expected run-times, on how many CPUs, etc. It is important that all Class A and Class B applications justify adequately the levels of resources they are applying for.
- Workplan - Applicants are required to provide a short workplan and utilisation profile. This will assist us in determining the likely demand over time and tune our scheduling policies to optimise usage of our resources. Applicants must also specify the number and type of staff who will be undertaking the research described in the proposal (PhD students, post-docs, PI in person). Failure to provide either will result in the application being held back until such information has been provided.
- List of Relevant Publications - Applicants should include a list of relevant publications (no more than ten) at the end of their proposal.
The following are the guideline proposal lengths for each project class:
- Class A - 6-10 pages.
- Class B - 2-3 pages.
- Class C - 1-2 pages.
Application Evaluation
All Full National Service applications go through the ICHEC review process.
Application Form
To apply please fill out the online application form: