Access to compute services
We provide researchers with capacity and expertise for high performance computing, data processing and cloud computing. Find out how you can request access and support from SURF.
There are three ways of accessing SURF’s compute services:
> Small Compute applications (NWO) for limited amounts of computing time, data services, and support directly via SURF.
> Large Compute applications (NWO) for large amounts of computing time, data services, and support via the NWO portal.
> Direct access to SURF compute services provided through your institution or based on a contract with SURF directly.
Call for proposals by NWO
Through the call for proposals Computing Time on National Computer Facilities 2025, researchers and research groups can gain access to computing time and associated data services and expertise, provided by SURF.
Both the Small Compute applications (NWO) and the Large Compute applications (NWO) are subject to the terms and conditions of this call.
Which route applies to me?
To guide you to the right request, we have listed the main features side by side:
| > Small Compute applications (NWO) | > Large Compute applications (NWO) | > Direct access to SURF compute services | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Researchers from the knowledge institutions listed, look here for details. | Researchers from the knowledge institutions listed, look here for details. | Researchers, IT support, staff and organizations. |
| For what purpose? | Small research projects and pilots. | Large research projects. | To support organizations, educational activities and research projects with long term needs. |
| What do I get? | Limited amounts of compute capacity (CPU or GPU), storage (Disk or Tape) and support on most SURF compute or data services. | Large amounts of compute capacity (CPU or GPU), storage (Disk or Tape) and support on most SURF compute or data services. | Any agreed amount of compute capacity (CPU or GPU), storage (Disk or Tape) and support on any SURF compute or data service. |
| For how long? | Max 1 year, an extension of max 6 months is possible. For LUMI max 1 year, an extension of max 3 months is possible. | 2 years, with 1 year extension possible. For LUMI max 1 year, an extension of 3 months is possible. | As agreed. |
| What type of support do I get? | Max 4 hours of servicedesk support or a limited amount of consultancy hours. | Up to several hundred hours of support or consultancy, depending on the service and request. | As agreed. Hourly rates may apply. |
| What do I pay? | Nothing, this is funded through the NWO Computing Time call. | Nothing, this is funded through the NWO Computing Time call. | Usage is paid by your organization. Non-member pricing upon request. |
| How long does it take before I get access? | Within 2 weeks | Within 2-3 months, although temporary access is usually granted during the application process. | Access can be obtained immediately if your organization already has direct access. |
| What’s the next step? | Submit a small application on the SURF servicedesk. Check the detailed info for the next steps. | Contact a SURF advisor to discuss and submit a large application. Proceed to detailed info. | Check if your organisation already has direct access. Proceed to detailed info. |
| Detailed info | Small Compute applications (NWO) | Large Compute applications (NWO) | Direct access to Compute services |