As part of UKRI’s support of the UK’s Compute Roadmap published yesterday, we are launching a major new initiative called SHAREing (Skills Hub for Accelerated Research Environments Inspiring the Next Generation).
This project aims to support researchers in making better use of powerful computers and artificial intelligence.
This new £3.8 million project will help scientists across the UK use cutting-edge technology to speed up research and solve real-world problems faster.
The project, led by Professor Tobias Weinzierl from our Department of Computer Science, will create a UK-wide hub to train and support Digital Research Technology Professionals (RTPs).
These include PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, software engineers, platforms experts, and IT specialists and managers who help make complex research happen.
By building skills and sharing knowledge, the hub will help researchers across different fields get the most out of advanced computing systems.
This project has received funding from the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure Programme.
We will work with over 30 partners, including other universities such as Cardiff, Manchester, and Queen Mary University of London, as well as technology companies and research organisations.
Together, we aim to test, assess and improve new hardware and software tools, and help researchers choose the best technology for their specific needs.
Training will include online learning, tailored support and professional development to help people not only learn new skills but also teach and lead others.
The project also will help RTPs to transition from enablers of accelerate computing into people who can champion the dev-op of novel IT solutions.
The project puts a strong focus on inclusivity, open-mindedness, and making sure the technology used is both effective and sustainable.
It will also explore how digital research can support climate goals by using the right machines for the right tasks.
Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and UKRI Digital Infrastructure Champion, summarises the ambition behind the Compute Roadmap: “This new roadmap contains many measures to take digital infrastructure to the next level across the UKRI, bringing many benefits to businesses, communities and families everywhere.
“By harnessing advanced computing power, there is the potential to drive progress in many areas of life, such as health, energy, transport and public services.
“Our vision is for researchers and innovators to be able to access and exploit the best digital infrastructure for the benefit of lives and livelihoods across the UK.”
Professor Weinzierl clarifies that SHAREing embodies this vision: “With SHAREing, we want to give researchers the tools, training and support they need to transition into the era of accelerate compute. That means faster delivery of faster computational science using faster hardware building blocks.”
This grant has been announced as a part of the £2b compute roadmap by the Government and UKRI to deliver a holistic and user-centred compute ecosystem.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Peter Kyle said: “Britain has top of the class talent in AI and our plan will put a rocket under our brilliant researchers, scientists, and engineers – giving them the tools they need to make Britain the best place to do their work.”
Our Department of Computer Science is among the top 10 in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025. Visit our Computer Science webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
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