Test projects are intended for new users of the SLING infrastructure to learn how to use the available systems and to test the software and algorithms before preparing a larger project proposal. This mode of use is also suitable for existing users who need an allocation to rework and test new software or applications, who want to start using the systems in a new research area, or who need access to prepare appropriate benchmarking, performance and scalability analyzes to justify the use resources in project applications. A TP project is a research project with limited resource requirements, a test and development project, or a project with specific objectives such as post-processing and visualisation, or demonstration for specific promotional or educational purposes. Projects with specific characteristics (e.g. data visualisation, promotion, etc.) may request the allocation of appropriate specific resources. Applicants are asked to clearly state such needs in the application form.
Terms of Service
TP projects are granted access for a maximum of 3 months from the date of resource allocation. Computing resources will be allocated according to the SLING Task Allocation Standards, and a specific set of resource usage rules may apply to certain systems. In the case of a ‘promotional’ project, beneficiaries may request access for individuals or groups attending workshops, demonstrations or other events. Such access will normally be limited to 15 days. The proposal for temporary access should identify the person who will be responsible for annual reporting on this activity.
Beneficiaries, review procedure and allocation
TP projects can be submitted at any time to a permanently open call for proposals, and project applications are automatically accepted for new users and on first renewal, and are only reported to the expert groups by the administrators. Other requests are subject to a technical evaluation by the domain team under the rolling call within one month of submission, which is sufficient for the administrators to grant access.
Renewal option
TP projects can be renewed twice, by resubmitting the same project proposal, which is treated in the same way.
Extensibility
TP projects can be extended by a maximum of 20% of the allocated resources or the foreseen duration, and to further increase the approved capacity, the applicant must submit a new project application for the corresponding project type.
Project support
SLING provides high-level technical support to each TP project, organised by the Support Team. In special cases, the applicant may request expert support at the time of application to solve specific problems or to ensure the optimisation required by the project. Such support must be requested and justified by the applicant in the project application.
Limitations
Each applicant may have a maximum of 10 approved TP projects per year.
Project application
You can apply for a project using the application form, which is linked to each call for proposals.
Project application instructions
Project applications will be assessed for relevance and feasibility and must therefore include the following elements, which must be attached as files to the application form:
Project proposal
Declaration on the use of resources
Completed and signed personal data processing agreement
The agreement must be completed and signed by all members of the project team.
List of references, including previous applications and letters of support
List of applicants’ publications
CVs of all project participants
Extension and work report
For the extension of project the TP project leader must submit a progress report at least one month before the end of the project, on the basis of which an extension may be granted. If the report is not submitted on time, the project will be suspended.
Progress report
TP project leader must submit a progress report with justification of resource requirements at least one month before the end of the project.
Progress reports and extension requests must include:
- list of project collaborators,
- the amount of scientific research hours of dedicated scientific work carried out by researchers on the project,
- any references and publications (published or under review),
- and information on the achievement of the objectives and project milestones in relation to the original project application (a blank template is available on the button).
At the end of the project, the project leader must submit a final report (template on the button below).
Extension
When renewing a project or applying for an extension, the project may request a maximum of 20% more resources than were approved in the original resource allocation. A time extension is also possible for a maximum of 20% of the original allocation.
Requests for project extensions, as well as all reports, can be submitted to support@sling.si.
