Getting started with Virtual Research Environments (VREs)

Do you need a platform where you can work interactively with your software? Do you have high requirements for compute power? Or do you want a platform where you can work collaboratively on code and (sensitive) data? Then the Virtual Research Environment (VRE) is your solution. In this small scale, hands-on workshop we will get you started with using VRE in your research.

The VRE platform is a flexible platform that provides a variety of environments, suitable for:

  • heavy computations (CPU or GPU)
  • interactive usage of software tools that you are familiar with (e.g. RStudio, Jupyter, MATLAB)
  • working with sensitive data
  • collaboration, both inside and outside of ÀÖÓãºǫ́
  • installing your own tools on a plain Linux or Windows server
  • or a combination of the above

In this one and a half-hour workshop, you will learn:

  • How to manage access and permissions in your project
  • How to operate the VRE portal (aka Surf Research Cloud)
  • How to start and operate your Virtual Research Environment
  • Various options for transferring and storing datasets
  • Some other good practices for working with VRE in your project

VRE is a service by Utrecht University (ÀÖÓãºǫ́) that provides researchers with a starting budget for initial usage of the system, user support and some preconfigured ÀÖÓãºǫ́ environments. More information about the VRE service, including information on how to get an account can be found here.

Planned Dates 

The workshop is planned for the following dates:

For registration and practical information, please visit the event item for a specific workshop date. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule workshops due to insufficient registrations or unforeseen circumstances.

Prerequisites

  • No prerequisite knowledge is required to attend this workshop.
  • If you are not sure if a VRE is suitable for you, consider (max. 30 min) for tailored advice.
  • This workshop is offered to Utrecht University staff and students only.

Credits

This workshop takes about 1,5 hours. Due to the short duration of this workshop, you cannot earn ECTS for attending.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact us via info.rdm@uu.nl.

More information

We can also offer this workshop on request tailored to specific faculties, departments or research groups, as well as advanced users and data managers. Contact us for more information.

  • Upcoming workshops

    • 12 May

      Walk-In Hours Research Data and Software - week 20 2025

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      Joint Open & FAIR Walk-in Hours of RDM Support on Monday 12 May, from 15:00 to 17:00 for face-to-face advice about all kinds of questions related to research data and/or software.
    • 13 May

      Introduction to R & Data - May 2025

      to
      R is a powerful programming language for data handling, visualisation, and more. On 13 May 2025, we aim to give you the tools to start exploring R and all it has to offer.
    • 13 May

      UDCC Forum 13 May: Edge Computing

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      The UDCC Forum is open to all Utrecht University colleagues interested in digital competences. The topic for this month is edge computing.
    • 15 May

      Programming Café - 15 May 2025

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      Do you want to meet other researchers, improve your programming skills, or ask questions related to programming? Pick up your laptop and come to the Programming Café on 15 May 2025!
    • 19 May

      Walk-In Hours Research Data and Software - week 21 2025

      to
      Joint Open & FAIR Walk-in Hours of RDM Support on Monday 19 May, from 15:00 to 17:00 for face-to-face advice about all kinds of questions related to research data and/or software.
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