‘‘The goal is not just to support research, but to be part of research that truly makes an impact’’

But personal computers can only handle so much. They have limited memory, storage and processing power. If your research involves complex calculations, simulations, or machine learning, there comes a point when your own device is no longer sufficient and your laptop may struggle to keep up. 

This is where research computing becomes important. At Maastricht University (UM), the Research Computing Support (RCS) team helps researchers who have reached that point. Whether you are exploring high-performance computing (HPC) for the first time, working with DSRI (Data Science Research Infrastructure), or applying for access to SURF, the national HPC infrastructure, the team offers practical and approachable support. It is a collaborative effort between the UM Library and the ICT Service Centre (ICTS). 

One of the members of this team is Manu Agarwal, who also works as a data steward within the Research Data Management (RDM) team. He also helps researchers work with high-performance computing environments, for example, when they need to run simulations, launch analysis notebooks, or when researchers need large computing power to train their AI models. He is part of both worlds, supporting researchers with data-related questions and helping them access the computing power their work requires.

DSRI, SURF, HPC… Wait, what’s the difference? 

DSRI, RCS, SURF, HPC… it can sound like alphabet soup at first. But you are not alone if you find it confusing. DSRI is a local high-performance computing cluster. It is essentially a powerful in-house system that allows researchers at UM to run complex or large-scale computing tasks that would overwhelm a normal laptop. 

SURF is the national high-performance computing infrastructure available to researchers in the Netherlands. It provides access to even more powerful systems, often needed when a project requires many days of processing time or large amounts of memory and storage. 

HPC, or high-performance computing, is the umbrella term for this kind of scaled-up computing. It refers to using multiple connected machines to carry out complex tasks faster and more efficiently than a personal computer ever could. 

RCS, the Research Computing Support team, is there to help you figure out which of these options makes sense for your research. They offer support in plain language, help you apply for access to the right systems, and guide you through what can otherwise feel like a very technical process. 

Access to these systems can also strengthen a grant proposal. Including a realistic computing plan demonstrates that your research is technically feasible and ready to scale. The RCS team can help you consider these needs early on. 

What if I need help along the way?

The team supports researchers from a wide range of backgrounds and at many different stages. Whether you are just starting out with computing or running into limitations mid-project, you do not need to speak the technical language. Support is available whenever you need it. You can contact the RCS team, or get started through Ask Your Librarian. 

How did Manu end up helping researchers at UM? 

Manu Agarwal is someone who genuinely enjoys working alongside researchers. He has a master’s in software engineering from National University of Singapore (NUS) and a Doctorate in Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). What draws him to this work is the opportunity to be actively involved in the research process. 

Coming from the tech world, he knows what it means to work on applied problems. But what he missed in industry was the freedom to explore ideas more deeply, without the pressure to turn them immediately into products. That is something he found again in academia, where he appreciates the more thoughtful pace and the chance to connect with people who are passionate about what they do. 

We do not want to be in the background and just provide the resources. We want to be part of impactful research.

This is also what motivates his work with the RCS team. He doesn’t just step in with an answer and leave. He stays involved, helping researchers understand their computing needs and supporting them throughout the process. 

Can research become something real? 

Manu often draws a parallel between research and product development. In his view, the goal is not only to explore an idea or publish a paper but to build something that works, something others can use or benefit from. Research does not have to stay within the university context. With the right support, it can make a difference in the wider world. 

Do you have any questions for our RCS team?

Please visit the RCS webpage, or feel free to contact the RCS team.

Text: Lynn Snoek, Communications intern (graduation project) – UM Library 
Photography: Floor van der Raadt, Communications intern (graduation project) – UM Library