This funding opportunity provides access to computing resources on the STFC DiRAC High Performance Computing (HPC) facility. The Resource Allocation Committee (RAC) 18th opportunity is now open for applications from researchers based at UK research organizations.

Key Dates and Deadlines

The call opened on July 3, 2025, at 9:00 am UK time. The closing date for applications is September 18, 2025, at 4:00 pm UK time. Successful awards will commence on April 1, 2026.

Applicants should ensure timely submission to avoid any last-minute complications. Late submissions will not be considered.

Note the publication date was June 30, 2025, and the last update was on July 2, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• You must be based at a UK research organisation.

Ensure your institution meets the requirements before applying. Applications from outside the UK will not be considered.

Available Resources and Project Types

DiRAC offers computing resources on several systems, including: Data Intensive Service at Cambridge, Data Intensive Service at Leicester, Extreme Scaling Service at Edinburgh, and Memory Intensive Service at Durham. Applicants should specify the system that best suits their research needs.

Short proposals can be for a duration of up to one year. Thematic proposals can be for a duration of up to three years. You may apply for up to 80% of the available resources, including storage.

Consider the scope and duration of your project when selecting the appropriate proposal type. Ensure your resource requests are justified and aligned with your research goals.

Application Process

Detailed information on how to apply can be found in the 'How to apply' section. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully.

Refer to the 'Additional info' section for supporting documents, including the DiRAC RAC Facility Time Opportunity RAC18 guidance notes PDF and the technical application form document.

Ensure all required documents are completed accurately and submitted before the deadline.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on the criteria outlined in the 'How we will assess your application' section. Familiarize yourself with these criteria to strengthen your proposal.

The assessment will consider the scientific merit, technical feasibility, and efficient use of resources. A well-structured and compelling proposal is essential for success.

Pay close attention to the assessment criteria to maximize your chances of securing computing resources.