New research computing, cyberinfrastructure governance structure announced

Penn State Executive Vice President and Provost Nick Jones and Vice President for Research Neil Sharkey announced fundamental changes in the way the University manages research computing and supporting cyberinfrastructure.

The changes will include adding stakeholders from across the University and introducing a faculty governance component to the process.

The changes come as part of an institutional effort to improve Penn State's position among its peers.

"Twenty years ago, Penn State was near the forefront in computational resources. We lost that position. We've got to get back to a position of leadership," Jones said. "A vital part of making Penn State the best it can be in research is embracing the notion that stakeholders must be actively involved in the consultative process that generates important decisions."

The introduction of research computing governance will establish a consultative process between faculty and information technology professional that will enable researchers to make more efficient and effective use of Penn State IT resources.

"Our faculty now has the capacity to guide the way we do research computing at Penn State. Strong faculty engagement across a wide swath of disciplines will not only enhance research, but will help make Penn State a better university," Sharkey said.

As part of the effort, a Research Computing and Cyber-Infrastructure (RCCI) Advisory Council and executive committee have been formed to bring faculty and IT perspectives to issues related to research computing, creating a governance overlay surrounding existing research, IT and administrative structures at Penn State.

The new research IT governance overlay will enable better communication and coordination among faculty researchers and IT professionals.

"This governance overlay is essential for the proper stewardship of our digital resources and to the advancement of Penn State's research mission," said Padma Raghavan, associate vice president for research and director of the Institute for Cyberscience.

It will also provide an avenue through which researchers' questions, suggestions and problems concerning research IT can be communicated to the vice president for research and ultimately the provost.

Provided by Pennsylvania State University