Proof of Concept: SURF explores use of cloud-based research infrastructure in education

SURF is launching a proof of concept (PoC) to investigate how students can benefit from the cloud-based research infrastructure currently used by researchers. This infrastructure provides access to computing power, datasets, data analysis tools and secure storage – all within one integrated virtual environment.

Research infrastructure for researchers – and soon for students as well?

With the SURF cloud-based research infrastructure, researchers can easily set up a virtual research environment, collaborate on projects, analyse data and share results. For students, however, this infrastructure is not yet accessible. Unlike researchers, they do not receive NWO funding to cover its use, and education has different requirements for a cloud environment.
As a result, students do not yet learn how to work with this infrastructure during their studies – even though it would provide valuable, practice-oriented skills.

An opportunity for education

Using the SURF cloud-based research infrastructure in education could offer students the opportunity to work in a safe and controlled environment with the same tools and workflows used in professional research. This would strengthen their understanding of open science, FAIR data and modern research methods.

Key components

The SURF infrastructure consists of three interconnected services that together can form a powerful learning and working environment:

• SURF Research Access Management – for creating groups and managing access rights.
• SURF Research Cloud – for using software, analysis tools and computing power, independent of location.
• SURF Research Drive – for secure data storage and sharing datasets in line with FAIR principles.

Central question

The proof of concept focuses on the question:
To what extent can we enable students to use the SURF cloud-based research infrastructure within education?

Approach

Between October and December 2025, the following steps will be carried out:

• Identifying needs and describing use cases.
• Determining requirements and settings based on those use cases.
• Translating the use cases into a configured research environment.
• Joint evaluation by SURF and participating institutions.

The results will be documented in an evaluation report with recommendations for a possible next phase, such as a pilot project.

Possible use cases

Examples include:

• Training in which students learn to work with the SURF Research Cloud and FAIR data principles.
• Data analysis and data management solutions for education.
• Development of open science skills, for example through Jupyter Notebooks or publication processes.
• Kubernetes courses and administrator training.
• AI and data science master’s programmes.

Exploring together

During the LCRDM Networking Day on 6 October, representatives from various institutions already contributed ideas, challenges and use cases. Their input forms an important basis for this proof of concept.