Support and Training
Research Computing strives to engage with our users, and offers multiple support platforms to field user questions and provide user guidance and training. Research Computing offers helpdesk support for everyday questions and troubleshooting, as well as tutorials and workshops throughout the year that provide specialized training on a variety of computing topics. If you have questions about our services, upcoming trainings, or are curious how to get started using computing resources, please contact us at [email protected].
Research Computing staff provide user support and assistance with all aspects of scientific computing and visualization. This assistance includes -- but is not limited to -- general user support, development of scripts or user-friendly procedures to allow more productive use of the resources, assistance with visualization, assistance with software packages, tutorials on specialized topics or programs, user training, GIS, remote sensing, spatial data, and code optimization. Our Research Computing staff work diligently to ensure support requests are answered in a timely manner. Reach out to the MSI Helpdesk ([email protected]) or the U-Spatial Helpdesk ([email protected]) with questions or requests for support.
Research Computing offers a variety of instructor-led tutorials and workshops focusing on different computing, programming, and geospatial tools. Many of our tutorials and workshops are offered at no cost to UMN students, faculty, and staff, though some workshops have a registration fee. Common topics include computing basics, specific software packages, data management techniques, and more. Many of the available tutorials can also be found online in video format for review in between in-person sessions. Tutorials and workshops are held on both the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses. See the MSI Tutorials and U-Spatial Training pages for more information on the tutorials and workshops offered within each unit.
Research Computing offers funding opportunities to support research for both students and staff. These funding opportunities are supported by the University of Minnesota Informatics Institute and MnDRIVE and aim to support research projects at the crossroads of informatics and the five MnDRIVE areas. For more details please visit Research Computing Funding Opportunities.