Research Computing
Research Computing Environment
The Research Computing Environment (RCE) is a large powerful computer cluster that you can use for computations that are too large to be conveniently done on a personal computer
About the RCE
We designed our RCE cluster (a large, powerful pool of computers) around open standards for reliability, scalability, extensibility, and interoperability. We use hardware from major vendors and a standard, enterprise-grade Linux distribution customized to address the specific needs of our users.
Project space can be used privately, or shared with collaborators (hence the name, "shared space"). Because our researchers bring confidential data to the RCE, we keep all project space separate from your home directory.
Running Jobs
Running Batch Jobs
The batch processing system runs on a high throughput cluster on which you can perform extensive, time-consuming calculations without the technical limitations imposed by a typical workstation.
more about batch jobs
Running Interactive Jobs
Interactive servers are intended for large processes that are memory intensive.
more about running interactive jobs
Working with your Jobs
When you run an RCE Powered Application, you must request a certain amount of processors and memory. If the amount you requested is available, a job is created on the cluster.
more about working with your RCE jobs
Data & Software Environment
Data Levels Supported
IQSS/HMDC can only support up to Level 3 data.
When you apply for an RCE account, you are asked which category would best suit your needs. Therefore, you should know ahead of time if your data is rated as confidential information by your IRB.
Learn more about data levels supported and confidential data on RCE
Statistical Applications
The following statistical applications are available on the RCE:
- GAUSS (8, 14)
- Mathematica (latest version)
- MATLAB (latest version)
- Octave (latest version from EPEL repo)
- R (latest version from EPEL repo)
- RStudio
- SAS (latest version)
- Stata SE and MP (latest version)
learn more about statistical applications
Tools & Utilities
Many common code and text editors are available, such as:
- Emacs
- Eclipse
- Gedit
- Bluefish
- Kwrite
- Vim
Version control tools are available to interact source code repositories:
Learn more about RCE tools and utiltities available
Accessing RCE
You can access the RCE login nodes from any modern workstation or laptop with a high-speed connection. Please note, you'll need to connect to Harvard's VPN in order to use the RCE, whether you are connecting via NoMachine (NX), or SFTP (eg FileZilla) or SSH.
Learn more about accessing RCE
Get Started
RCE Accounts
We provide RCE accounts, free of cost, to qualified requesters in the pursuit of social science research.
Learn more about account and affiliate definition
Account Renewal
All RCE accounts have a renewal date that are selected based on the estimated end times of users' projects.
Learn more about account renewal
Help Request
For assistance, please contact us via email help@iq.harvard.edu