Historical guidance (2021–2023). The current BRIC computing handbook gives April 30, 2026 as the Azure VM decommissioning date and provides HPC guidance for former VM users. Consult that handbook for current arrangements. The funding information below is retained as a historical record.

For large compute jobs, virtual machines, based around Microsoft Azure, are available to hire at hourly rates at BRIC.

There are two routes for funding:

  1. Grant funding: When you make a grant application, ensure you include VM hire in your costings if you want to use the BRIC VMs. If you currently have a grant from which you can pay VM hire, use that. If you’d like advice on costings for grant-funded research, contact Andy Wills.

  2. Pump-prime funding: For a limited time, you can request limited internal in-year funds from BRIC for work that will lead to a grant application involving BRIC. For example, proof of concept work to include in a grant application, or in a high-quality publication to establish a track record to subsequently secure funding. This is an open call (no deadlines), but there is an annual budget. This financial year (2021/2) and next (2022/3), we anticipate a budget of £2,000 (subject to change without notice). Continuation of the fund beyond 2022/3 is not anticipated. To apply, email Andy Wills.