OneIT Research supports faculty, staff, and students across the University by combining expert consulting with the technology infrastructure needed to move research forward. Through one-on-one support in areas such as machine learning, statistical analysis, qualitative research, and geographic information systems, the team helps researchers apply specialized methods, work more effectively with data, and expand the reach of their scholarship. OneIT also strengthens the University’s research enterprise through high-performance computing, secure environments for sensitive research, and long-term archival storage through UT-StorR. Together, these services provide a strong and scalable foundation for discovery that not only advances research on campus but also helps extend the University’s impact across Tennessee through innovation, collaboration, and applied scholarship.
Learn more about OneIT Research Services.

Research Computing Support for Academics

Research Computing Support (RCS) for Academics helps faculty and students strengthen their research through expert guidance, advanced tools, and practical support at every stage of a project. From study design, sample size determination, and web surveys to data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization, RCS provides the specialized expertise researchers need to move their work forward with confidence. The team also expands access to a wide range of research software, including ArcGIS, MATLAB, NVivo, Python, Qualtrics, SAS, SPSS, Stata, and R, making it easier for faculty and students to use the tools they need to support high-quality research, scholarship, and academic success.

Explainable AI (XAI)

To meet growing demand for interpretable machine learning, RCS staff developed deep expertise in Explainable AI (XAI), starting in R and expanding into Python, presented a Special Topics workshop (Explanatory Machine Learning in R), and consulted with researchers implementing interpretable AI methods.

ESRI ArcGIS Migration

RCS created campus-specific ArcGIS portals for UTC, UTHSC, UTHSC-Facility Services, UTM, and UT-Southern. By combining a data cleanup protocol with the new campus portals, RCS improved ESRI storage and credit efficiency, and saved the university approximately $30,000 per year. 

Contributions and Assistance from Statisticians are in High Demand

View the list of recently co-authored manuscripts by RCS.

WHAT’S NEXT

In 2026–2027, faculty and student researchers will see expanded support for bioinformatics, greater access to high-demand research software, and refreshed workshops designed to reflect current methods and research needs.

High Performance Computing

High Performance and Scientific Computing (HPSC) had a standout year as it strengthened its role as a strategic partner in advancing UT’s research mission. The team realigned its vision and brand in close coordination with university research leadership, expanding its focus to include industry partnerships and clearly defining a three-environment ecosystem that connects research computing more directly to the University’s broader research agenda. At the same time, HPSC broadened access to AI and advanced computing by lowering barriers for less technical disciplines and providing hands-on support that helped faculty and researchers in areas such as veterinary and sports medicine engage in machine learning and data-intensive research. This work was supported by targeted outreach and faculty engagement efforts designed to improve onboarding and awareness across campus.

HPSC also continued to deliver the scale, reliability, and security needed to support a growing research enterprise. ISAAC remained the University’s core research computing backbone across its Next Generation, ORI, and Secure Enclave environments. HPSC saw a 30% increase in users and jobs submitted over the previous year, and this growth was achieved with minimal disruption and largely flat staffing, underscoring the team’s ability to scale alongside the University’s research ambitions. In parallel, HPSC advanced Secure Enclave operations and CMMC Level 2 readiness to support regulated research and position UT for additional federal research opportunities, while also stewarding petabyte-scale research storage through sustainable governance and capacity planning.

Visit the High Performance Computing website.

WHAT’S NEXT

HPSC is focused on strengthening secure research capabilities, expanding partnerships, and broadening access to advanced computing across the University.

Key future priorities include:

• Advance Secure Enclave toward CMMC Level 2 certification
• Grow outreach to more colleges and non-technical disciplines
• Relaunch the Faculty Advisory Committee
• Complete storage expansion and planned maintenance with minimal disruption
• Establish a storage repository for core-facility scientific instrument data

Research and the University Community

Serving students, faculty, and staff across the University, the team supports work ranging from master’s theses to large NIH and NSF-funded projects, while also contributing to UT’s broader impact through initiatives tied to the Grand Challenges, including the opioid epidemic and rural workforce development. With expertise spanning disciplines such as statistics, engineering, psychology, geography, sociology, mathematics, and nutrition, OneIT Research is able to meet the needs of researchers across a wide range of fields. This support also includes removing barriers behind the scenes, as seen in work with the Genomics Core Facility to keep sequencing data moving efficiently while strengthening safeguards for human and controlled data. Together, these efforts help researchers across UT do their work more effectively, expand the reach of the University’s research enterprise, and strengthen the impact of that work across Tennessee and beyond.

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