Penn Advanced Research Computing Center (PARCC)
PARCC is launching in Spring 2025 – sign up to stay informed!
PARCC Mailing List
What is PARCC?
The University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce the Penn Advanced Research Computing Center (PARCC) —a groundbreaking initiative aligned with the framework of the University’s strategic plan, “In Principle and Practice.” This collaborative effort between the provost and schools embodies Penn’s commitment to achieving impactful research outcomes by harnessing the University’s leadership in interdisciplinary excellence – a core principle of the strategic plan.
PARCC will be a key platform for computational and data-driven research across campus with hardware, software, system support, and research consulting services. Combining enhanced power, capacity, and speed previously unavailable, Phase I of PARCC includes a high-performance computing (HPC) data cluster housed at a regional colocation data center. PARCC will provide access to additional GPUs and CPUs built on shared high-speed storage and networking infrastructure that will double the current capacity at Penn.
The center will advance a sustainable operational model that future-proofs new technology deployment and efficient resource allocation at significant cost savings and below cloud cost. As the locus of computational research on campus, PARCC will offer unparalleled support to researchers across all schools. PARCC will also enable Penn’s research community to remain at the forefront of technology – with university-wide support and resources that provide the flexibility to adapt and the economies of scale essential for achieving breakthroughs in the university’s burgeoning data-driven and AI research. Centralized housing will transform the ability to collaborate across research teams with greater ease and efficiency. In time, PARCC will allow faculty and researchers to explore the best, most efficient research computing practices, including on-premises and cloud-based solutions.
Phase I of PARCC will be available to researchers in Spring 2025. The search for the inaugural Center Director and technical staff is underway, and a large team of IT specialists, faculty, and staff have been diligently working over the past six months to prepare the center for its launch. Please visit the website: http://www.research.upenn.edu/parcc for more details and to sign up for periodic updates, including critical deadlines, pricing options, and additional technical specifications on the PARCC buildout. Researchers interested in PARCC can also contact their school’s IT team to learn more.
Learn more about this exciting initiative that builds upon the strength of Penn’s computing power
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PARCC FAQ
Where is PARCC located?
The exact location of PARCC is yet to be determined, but will be in the mid atlantic region to provide a highly responsive experience from campus
What kind of training is available?
Initially, we will have a knowledge base to help users get started. As we build out capabilities, we hope to introduce more thorough training options. Please email parcc-info@parcc.upenn.edu with any specific questions.
What support services will be available?
We aim to offer support surrounding your research journey using the PARCC system. As we build out capabilities, we will have more explicit support offerings. Please email parcc-info@parcc.upenn.edu with any specific questions.
When will PARCC be available?
PARCC aims to be operational in Spring 2025.
How much will it cost to use the Cluster?
We are working to find a model that will enable the growth of the center while being financially responsible for our researchers to utilize. We will provide guidance for common cost comparisons around the university. Sign up for our mailing list to stay updated!
Until PARCC is available, can I purchase equipment to use now and merge it when it’s ready?
Yes! While we don’t know exactly what this will look like yet, we are planning on supporting these sort of options. Please reach out to parcc-info@parcc.upenn.edu and your School IT department to coordinate with the latest information.
Who will be able to use the PARCC HPC cluster?
PARCC will have a phased approach with a pilot during 2025 and opening up for more general availability to Penn researchers after the pilot is completed.
How do I know my data is secure?
Data security is very important to us at PARCC. We are working with our vendors and ISC Compliance office to ensure that we have robust data security. Details on security and compliance specifications will follow.
If I have a question about PARCC, whom do I contact?
Please contact us at parcc-info@parcc.upenn.edu