There are numerous support channels available to users and developers of research software at Imperial.
Official channels:
- The Research Computing Service support pages provide a library of reference material.
- Several ASK forms are available to report issues or request assistance with using the compute service and RDS or software engineering.
- RCS clinics are held weekly to provide advice on everything from HPC to research software development.
- Some departments have computing officers able to advice on local or domain-specific facilities.
Other sources of support:
- The College’s Research Software Community has a Slack workspace where general discussion and domain- or tool-specific questions are welcome (e.g. R, OpenFOAM, Nextflow).
- Colleagues in your group or department may be the best qualified to help with computing questions specific to your field of research. Forming a peer-group can be a rewarding way of sharing your knowledge with others - if you’d like ideas on how to build a local community then please reach out via Slack (see above).
- The UK Society of Research Software Engineering has its own Slack workspace (open to non-members) with a larger range of specialist discussion channels, including one for members of RSLondon (#rslondon).
In combination, these support channels provide access to a broad range of expertise, making it easier than ever before to navigate the rapidly changing research computing landscape at Imperial and beyond.
Further resources
- Research Computing at Imperial College London provides a comprehensive list of support channels, training material and relevant groups at Imperial.
- Previous Tips cover a range of topics, often linking to other relevant resources.