Compute
Service portfolio
Large-scale computing power for research and education
When you reach the limits of your own system, SURF offers a wide range of services to help you scale up your research: tens of thousands of times faster than your personal computer. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure is designed to handle large and complex scientific datasets, models, and simulations, as well as the training of AI models.
Why at SURF?
Easy access to unique facilities
Researchers in the Netherlands can easily and cost-effectively access large-scale computing power through SURF.
Tailored support and expert advice
We provide support through customised training and expert guidance. Our specialists can assist with complex topics such as sensitive data handling, IT architecture, or application optimisation.
Collaborate in a secure environment
SURF operates on a non-profit basis and co-creates with education and research institutions. Sensitive research data remains securely stored within a trusted environment on Dutch soil.
Choose the right service for your project
High-performance computing (HPC)
With a supercomputer, researchers have access to immense computing power. Snellius and LUMI come equipped with extensive standard configurations and software, ready to support a wide range of applications.
Dataprocessing
Our platforms for high-throughput data processing are designed to handle large, structured datasets, such as instrument data from sensors, DNA sequencers, telescopes, and satellites.
Cloud computing
SURF Research Cloud is a user-friendly and flexible portal that makes it easy to build your own virtual research environment. You can use preconfigured workspaces and datasets, or add your own.
Which computing service suits your research question?
Wondering which infrastructure best fits your research? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why our advisors always start with tailored advice on the most suitable infrastructure for your needs. Several key factors come into play in making this decision.
More support: consultancy and training
Consultancy
We help you get started with IT solutions for research, such as machine learning or software optimisation. Some of this support is included in our standard services. For larger projects, you can purchase additional capacity.
Cloud Research Consultancy
Are you looking for a customised solution for a complex research project? We develop IT solutions and offer long-term support on SURF's private cloud and on commercial clouds such as AWS and Azure.
Visualisation: more insight into your data
Think of mapping large networks or tracking bird migration routes. With remote visualisation, you can explore large datasets directly from your own desktop without needing to transfer the data to your local machine.
Training
Keen to get started with our systems but are you missing the necessary expertise? We regularly offer hands-on training sessions, both online and on-site. These trainings can also be integrated into your institution’s curriculum.
Scientific datasets, models and simulations are becoming increasingly large and complex. Whether in high-energy physics, climate research, drug development or the social sciences,large-scale computing power is essential for cutting-edge research.
Large data sets and AI
Our state-of-the-art computing infrastructure supports the processing and analysis of vast amounts of data, for example, from scientific instruments like telescopes or satellites. It also enables complex simulations and digital twins that help us better understand the world around us. In addition, our systems are increasingly used to train AI models, for applications in healthcare, industry and agriculture.
European ecosystem
SURF's computing infrastructure is part of a European ecosystem that connects and complements international, national and local systems. Through SURF, researchers can take the next step towards accessing international facilities offering the highest levels of computing power and fostering international collaboration. Our services are also closely integrated with essential components such as high-performance network connections and facilities for secure, large-scale data storage.
Computing power in practice
Case study
Surgery with a supercomputer: hunting for the source of epilepsy
How do you find, in a complex network like the human brain, the one spot that causes a short circuit? For neurologist and professor Maeike Zijlmans (UMC Utrecht), this is part of her daily work. Together with Erasmus MC and SURF, she worked on a method that uses augmented reality (AR) to make invisible details visible during surgery.Story
AI lets scientists work magic with language
"I can't remember a time when I wasn't interested in language," says linguist Antal van den Bosch. "It is an instrument with wondrous properties. When I learnt a new language in high school, it gave me a kind of key to another world." Nowadays, he finds the magic in artificial intelligence.