Explore
Write
Chat
Call
High Performance & Scientific Computing
High Performance & Scientific Computing at UTK “Microsite”
Service navigation
Research computing resources and services for the University
The High Performance & Scientific Computing (HPSC) group provides research computing resources and services to the University community. The resources provided include the Infrastructure for Scientific Applications and Advanced Computing, or ISAAC for short. ISAAC includes resources for research involving non-sensitive information (ISAAC Legacy and ISAAC Next Generation) and sensitive information (Secure Enclave).
We partner with researchers and industry partners to solve complex computational challenges. Our team provides trusted expertise and right-sized solutions, empowering faculty to advance bold research from computational planning to publication-ready results.
Explore HPSC resources and services
What is HPSC?
HPSC supports advanced research through computing resources, secure research environments, system administration support, scientific computing support, documentation, training, software installation and maintenance, and other support services.
Our aspiration is to make advanced computing an integral part of UT’s research culture, empowering every discipline to accelerate discovery and solve impactful problems.
Who we serve
HPSC supports faculty, students, research teams, and collaborators across the University community. Every research computing need is different. HPSC helps identify the right resources, environments, and support for each project.
Faculty and researchers
Faculty and researchers can use HPSC resources for data analysis, modeling, simulation, artificial intelligence, and other computational research needs.
Students and academic projects
Students working on coursework or research projects can use HPSC resources when their work requires advanced computing tools and expert guidance.
Research teams and project groups
Research teams can use HPSC support to plan computing needs, identify appropriate resources, and support project execution from proposal through publication.
Researchers working with sensitive information
Researchers working with sensitive or regulated data can use protected computing environments that align with university policies and project requirements.
The strategic value HPSC brings to the university
As part of UT’s broader research enterprise, HPSC provides advanced computing resources and expert support that help faculty, students, and collaborators move from research planning to results.
Right-sized computing solutions
HPSC saves the university money and improves research outcomes by connecting faculty to appropriate resources, empowering them to make more informed decisions that optimize their research capabilities with respect to funding.
Research-level technical partnership
HPSC staff includes computational scientists with advanced degrees who collaborate with faculty on research problems, not just technical implementation.
Compliance-ready secure computing
The Secure Enclave provides National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-53 (NIST SP 800-53) and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 readiness and handles regulated data requirements, enabling UT to compete for federal research contracts that require sophisticated security infrastructure.
Unified research computing ecosystem
HPSC manages three computing environments under one program: ISAAC Next Generation for general research, ISAAC ORI for specialized projects, and the Secure Enclave for sensitive data. This eliminates the fragmentation that typically forces faculty to navigate multiple systems and support structures.
HPSC resources
HPSC provides access to research computing environments and services that support non-sensitive research, sensitive information, specialized projects, storage, and long-term archival storage.
ISAAC Next Generation
ISAAC Next Generation supports research involving non-sensitive information, including simulation, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning workloads.
ISAAC ORI
ISAAC ORI supports specialized research projects involving non-sensitive information.
Secure Enclave
The Secure Enclave supports research involving sensitive information, Protected Health Information, Controlled Unclassified Information, and other regulated data requirements.
UT-StorR long-term archival storage
UT-StorR supports long-term archival storage for research data collections and results that are no longer actively used, including support for funded project data management plans.
Node and storage investments
Researchers with sponsored research funds, startup funds, or other eligible sources can purchase dedicated compute nodes and storage for exclusive project use within the ISAAC cluster.
View node and storage investment information
How HPSC supports research
Support for use of ISAAC resources includes system administration support, scientific computing support, documentation, training, software installation and maintenance, and other support services.
- System administration support for HPSC resources
- Scientific computing support for research workflows
- Documentation and training for researchers and students
- Software installation and maintenance for supported research needs
- Guidance for identifying right-sized computing and storage options
- Guidance for planning computing and storage needs for proposals and research projects
View HPSC workshops and training recordings
Get started
Whether you are new to research computing or looking to expand your current capabilities, HPSC is ready to help. Use the links below to learn more, request access, or connect with the team.
- Learn about HPSC resources and services: View the HPSC Overview section
- Learn how to request access: Review ISAAC account request information
- Request access to ISAAC: Request an ISAAC account
- Ask for help or discuss a research computing need: Submit an HPSC Service Request
- Invest in dedicated computing resources: View node and storage investments
ISAAC Office Hours
Have a question? Bring it to ISAAC Office Hours. Sessions are held Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern. Only UT-authenticated users can enter the Zoom session. Submit an HPSC Service Request if you need help accessing office hours.
Join ISAAC Office Hours on Zoom
Collaboration opportunities
As part of UT’s broader research enterprise, HPSC welcomes collaboration with academic, government, and industry partners. Email us to learn more about collaboration opportunities.