Research

Research is an important part of UNC Charlotte’s future. Research happens all over campus. Some research relies on sophisticated systems like the High Performance Computing Center; other research is taking place in private labs and offices using both standard and high-end computers. The technology used for research must be reliable and secure. Additionally, data, data governance, data storage, and the sharing of data are critical for a successful research environment.

GOAL Support faculty’s research needs by providing a flexible, secure research environment designed for growth.	Target Date	Status
C1: Identify grant opportunities that will allow us to enhance and grow our high-performance computing infrastructure ’23 Update: An NSF grant was secured to fund a high speed data network and a process was defined to identify grant opportunities. ’24 Update: OneIT is identifying new federal and state grant opportunities in collaboration with faculty throughout the year to help with additional infrastructure upgrades to our HPC environment. Several systems have been acquired this year with grant funding.	FY ‘24
C2: Develop sustainable funding model for the High Performance Computing cluster ’23 Update: Not started since campus budgets are flat and campus leadership has been in-flux; the current agreement expires in ’25. The target deadline has been moved to FY ’26 ’24 Update: An MOU has been created to permanently establish funding at current levels.  This is currently under review but should become final at some point this year.  The next goal is to increase overall funding for HPC to align with current and future needs. ‘25 Update:  The MOU with Academic Affairs has been finalized and funding for HPC will continue at current levels.  The next step will be to evaluate what future funding needs will be.	FY ‘26
C3: Develop guidelines for research data governance ’23 Update:  Not been started yet but we are researching storage options for research data. ’24 Update:  Project 677 has been created to develop a process for dealing with NIST 800-171 data. This is the start of overall research data governance on campus. ‘25 Update:  A research enclave has been set up to handle NIST 800-171 data.  Technical staff are being trained on it and we expect to start putting faculty into the environment in July of 2025.	FY ‘26
C4: Standardize process for identifying technical needs early in the grant process ’23 Update: Not started due to campus leadership changes. ’24 Update: OneIT has started working with the Division of Research looking for better ways to partner with faculty. The goal is to have faculty engage OneIT earlier in the grant process. ‘25 Update: OneIT continues to partner with the Division of Research to help educate faculty about technology opportunities on campus as well as collaborate on grants.	FY ’25

Alignment

This objective aligns with Power the Future Through Inquiry, Research and Creative Discovery

Strategic Partnerships

Research and Economic Development, College Deans, HPC Advisory Committee

Accountable Leaders

AVC Infrastructure, AVC Enterprise Applications, Executive Director College Support