CDSA Monthly Update: December 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made together through the Compute and Data Services Alliance (CDSA). It’s been a year full of growth, collaboration, and innovation—and none of it would have been possible without your engagement and feedback. Here are some highlights:
📊 What We Accomplished in 2025
- Expanded Research Support:
- Launched the Protected Network for Research (PNR), now supporting 111 projects
- Duke Data Attic was officially launched in October and, to date, there are 76 attics, 60 unique PIs, and 278 PhD allocations claimed, making store easier and cost-effective for everyone
- Compute & Storage Enhancements:
- Improved access to the Duke Compute Cluster (DCC), including no-cost allocations for PhD students and dedicated resources for high-performance computing courses
- Rolled out virtual GPUs for graphics-intensive applications via Virtual Computing Manager
- Community Engagement:
- Hosted two events—one in the spring and one in the fall—to support research staff and foster collaboration across Duke
- Partnering with ITAC, held a lively Researcher Reception in April featuring posters and networking opportunities
- Participated in Tech Expo and showcased tools like the Finder Tool and Duke Data Attic
- Launched working groups focused on AI/ML, researcher engagement, training, and more.
- Improved our CDSA website to provide more centralized resources and information
- Had 37 engagement touchpoints for CDSA awareness, such as participating in departmental or other meetings or informational sessions
🎓 PhD Research Services & Storage Tools Sessions
This fall, CDSA partnered with OIT, Duke Libraries, and OR&I to host nine information sessions for PhD students, providing an overview of research data support services, storage options, and compute tools.
- Sessions included general campus-wide sessions and customized departmental sessions in areas like Neurobiology, Cell Biology, and Political Science.
- In total, 56 students attended these sessions, gaining insights into tools like the Duke Data Attic, DCC allocations, services such as data management and digital visualization, and compliance resources.
- Feedback included: “The facilitator was fantastic. We were so grateful to have them. They did an excellent job.”
We plan to offer these sessions at the start of Spring semester. Feel free to reach out to us to make sure we include you and your students!
🚀 Looking Ahead
We’re excited to keep building on this momentum in 2026! Expect more training opportunities, expanded storage solutions, and continued efforts to make research computing and data services easier and more accessible.
Thank You!
Your feedback and participation have been invaluable. If you have ideas or want to get involved, reach out anytime at cdsa_research@duke.edu