MSI Users Bulletin – March 2026

MSI Users Bulletin - March 2026

The Users Bulletin provides a summary of new policies, procedures, and events of interest to MSI users. It is published quarterly. 

 

  1. MyMSI Storage Dashboard: MSI users may now see an updated table on their Projects MyMSI Storage Dashboard. The field 'Tier 2 Candidates' now allows users to view 'Last Accessed' time in addition to 'Last Modified'. Access times are updated whenever the file path is read by a user or program.
  2. Scratch Storage: As a reminder, data in global scratch are deleted after 30 days. Use of tools to bypass this 30 day limit is not allowed. If you have a need for longer term scratch, contact the Help Desk for an exception request. 
  3. Open OnDemand Enhancements: Changes to the interface include:
    1. Walltime in Resources/Custom now supports HH:MM:SS time format similar users are familiar with using in batch scripts.
    2. Memory in Resources/Custom can be specified with units such as 10G for 10 Gigabytes
    3. Jupyter notebook root check - Open OnDemand will alert you if the specified notebook path does not exist before queueing the session.
  4. Maintenance day countdown page: MSI users may access the next M-day page to see hours leading up to the next scheduled maintenance period.
  5. Status pages - Groups that have access to a dedicated partition may now view basic usage information by appending their partition name to the end of the URL https://s3.msi.umn.edu/msi-dedicated-compute/. The page shows
    1. Total resources associated; e.g, number of nodes, memory, GPUs.
    2. Pending jobs and their requested resources.
    3. Running jobs and how many resources they have allocated.
  6. Research Computing Exhibition: Save the date! The 2026 Research Computing Exhibition will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Coffman Memorial Union. The Exhibition will include judged poster sessions with prizes, as well as presentations, lightning talks, and informational posters from RC units.  The RC Exhibition webpage includes the anticipated schedule for the event.
  7. PEARC 2026: The annual conference on Practice and Experience in Advanced Research Computing (PEARC) will be held in Minneapolis next year, July 26 - 30, 2026. The organizers are developing the program and gathering names of those interested in volunteering. You can sign up for the PEARC 26 newsletter and check the PEARC 26 website for the most recent information. 
    1. PEARC 2026 student program applications close on March 23, visit Student Program for more information
  8. Research Experience for Undergraduates open: Application
    1. The National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site: Cyberinfrastructure (CI) Research for Societal Advancement engages 10 undergraduate students majoring in science and engineering disciplines each summer for a nine-week advanced computing research experience at The University of Texas at Austin.
    2. Students receive training using national CI by integrating the learning of computational science, data-enabled science, and multidisciplinary science and conduct cutting-edge research in preparation for graduate programs and the workforce.
  9. Spring Tutorials and Workshops: MSI and its partners will hold a number of tutorials during the Spring 2026 semester. Links to individual series are below; a consolidated list of courses that will help you hone your research computing skills can be found at the Research Tools and Computing Workshops portal site. 
    1. MSI: The MSI Spring 2026 tutorial schedule and registration links can be found on the MSI Tutorials page. MSI’s tutorials are intended to help users achieve the best results using MSI systems. Most tutorials are hybrid, with both in-person and online (Zoom) participation. In-person tutorials are held in room 575 Walter Library. 
    2. Videos of past tutorials and tutorial materials can also be found on the Tutorial Materials and Recordings page. 
    3. GEMS Learning: GEMS Learning provides modular, non-credit digital and data-science training for working professionals and students interested in hands-on food, agriculture, and natural resource applications. They are currently offering several asynchronous courses; see the GEMS Learning webpage for course details and registration information. 
    4. U-Spatial: U-Spatial offers instructor-led workshops focusing on different geospatial tools and technologies. Their current offerings are posted on the U-Spatial Training page on the U-Spatial website. 
  10. Upcoming Research Computing Events:
    1. DSAI Hub: Information about upcoming events sponsored by the DSAI Hub, one of MSI’s Research Computing partners, can be found on the DSAI Events webpage. 
    2. IIB Lecture Series: The International Institute for Biosensing (IIB), one of MSI’s Research Computing Partners, hosts a Precision Sensing Lecture Series featuring experts. Most lectures are held in person, with lunch provided. See the IIB Lecture Series webpage for the schedule. 
    3. U-Spatial Mapping Prizes: the 2026 Mapping Prize application is open on the Spatial University website. The prize winners will showcase their maps at the Research Computing Exhibition on April 23.
  11. Help Desk:
    1. Located at 599 Walter Library (we moved down the hall!) on the East Bank campus
    2. Staffed Monday through Friday 9-12 and 1-4
    3. Help Desk webpage
  12. Useful Webpages: Looking for help with using MSI or other RC resources? One of these pages may have the information you need:
  1.  MSI partners

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