Research Computing and Data Capabilities Model Focused Tools Committee

(This committee has been reabsorbed back into the main Capabilities Model Working Group)

The Research Computing and Data (RCD) Capabilities Model allows institutions to assess their support for computationally- and data-intensive research, to identify potential areas for improvement, and to understand how our academic communities view RCD support. However, smaller, under-resourced institutions and emerging RCD programs often find the existing RCD Capabilities Model assessment tool a bit overwhelming, and/or they lack the resources to complete that level of assessment. In response to community feedback, the RCD Capabilities Model working group at CaRCC had a Focused Tools Committee to better meet the needs of these smaller institutions and emerging RCD programs. The RCD Capabilities Model Focused Tools will help emerging programs get off the ground by identifying necessary elements to building a research program from scratch. All institutions (regardless of the version they use) will be welcome in the growing RCD Community of Practice, to share and learn from one another.

Products

Objectives for Focused Tools Committee

  • Easy-to-use assessment tools for smaller and emerging programs
  • Learn about the current landscape of IT resources
  • Advocate for the needs for these institutions

Objectives for Institution

  • Gather unstructured information on how researchers are operating today, where they go for help and questions
  • Self-guided survey of basic information about the scale/structure of the institution
  • Facilitated interviews
  • Information about the existing state of support for research, the needs, the gap between needs and what is available, and future needs
  • Common vocabulary around RCD assessment and planning
  • Prepare for strategic planning process and potentially using the Capabilities Model 

Co-chairs John Hicks (Internet2) and Forough Ghahramani (NJedge)