Abstract

Basic and translational research efforts often involve the cooperation of many centers from multiple locations around the world that need to exchange terabytes or more of data generated by advanced biomedical technologies. These huge datasets exist in various forms resulting from such activities as three-dimensional imaging and high-throughput genomic investigations, including numerous whole-genome and population-based studies. Computer-intensive analysis of these datasets is frequently required. The ability of geographically dispersed researchers to share, access, and analyze these large datasets requires the availability of powerful, aggregated computational resources. We propose developing a grid environment for the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) , called the IRPgrid, to support future biomedical research endeavors and to promote resource sharing. By maintaining compliance with the caBIG and TeraGrid national efforts, the IRPgrid will be able to take advantage of previous investments and existing developments in grid computing. The IRPgrid is envisioned to provide the entire NIH IRP with grid-enabled high-performance computing, massive amounts of storage, and semantically interoperable software applications.



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