RENCI
RENCI, launched in 2004, is an institute of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that develops advanced technologies to support research and innovation. It collaborates with researchers, government, and industry to solve problems in data science, cyberinfrastructure, and various other fields.
History of RENCI
RENCI, the Renaissance Computing Institute, was launched in 2004 as a collaborative effort among UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State University. It serves as an institute within the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. RENCI has focused on developing advanced technologies that enable research discoveries and foster practical innovations. The institute leverages partnerships with researchers, government agencies, and industry to tackle pressing problems affecting North Carolina, the nation, and the world.
RENCI Services and Technologies
RENCI offers an array of services centered on data science and cyberinfrastructure development and deployment. The institute works on various projects such as clinical informatics and AI, data science and analytics, earth data science research, network research and infrastructure, and software architecture. Notable systems developed by RENCI include the ADCIRC Prediction System for forecasting coastal impacts from tropical cyclones, the HeLx platform for data science education, and the APSViz system for real-time coastal hazards information dissemination.
Key Collaborations and Partnerships
RENCI collaborates with numerous organizations including the National Consortium for Data Science, NIH HEAL Data Stewardship Group, and NSF South Big Data Hub. Internationally, it partners with the IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Center in the Czech Republic. These collaborations allow RENCI to work on impactful projects like the NIH RADx Data Hub, NHLBI BioData Catalyst, and the CHEER project focusing on coastal hazards, equity, and economic prosperity.
RENCI Educational Initiatives
RENCI hosts the annual Data Matters short-course series, aimed at enhancing the skills of students and professionals in business, research, and government sectors. The institute also developed the EduHeLx platform, which provides hands-on training in Electronic Health Record analysis. In 2021, RENCI received a $1 million, three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a cyberinfrastructure training program for X-ray scientists, further illustrating their commitment to education and workforce development.
Major RENCI Projects
RENCI undertakes a variety of significant projects that address global and local challenges. Key projects include the development of the iRODS (Integrated Rule-Oriented Data System) for data management, the NC TraCS platform for clinical and translational science, and the FABRIC project, which aims to create a unique network infrastructure capable of transmitting data at 1.2 Terabits per second. These initiatives demonstrate RENCI’s leadership in leveraging data and technology to drive innovation and solve complex problems.