The Secure Research Environment (SRE) provides approved software and computing resources for research involving sensitive or restricted data. Explore available tools, compare Standard SRE and Custom Compute, and learn how to request additional software for your project.
Choose the Right Computing Environment
The appropriate SRE option depends on your project’s software, performance, and computing requirements. Standard SRE supports projects that can use the shared environment and its approved tools. Custom Compute is intended for projects that need specialized applications, additional processing power, graphics processing unit (GPU) resources, or project-specific infrastructure.
| Feature | Standard SRE | Custom Compute |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Projects that can use the shared Windows environment and approved software | Projects requiring specialized configurations or resources beyond the standard environment |
| Software | Includes the approved SRE application se | Can support specialized software following review and approval |
| Computing resources | Uses the resources provided with the standard environment | Can be configured for project-specific CPU, memory, storage, or GPU needs |
| AI options | May support approved API-based access | May support API-based access or an approved locally deployed model |
| Cost | Standard resources are available for qualifying UMB research projects; additional resource charges may apply | Resources are billed to the research project |
Approved Software and Applications
Software used in the SRE must meet UMB security, licensing, and data-protection requirements. Some applications are available without an additional license, while others require the user or research project to provide a valid license.
Review the approved software list to determine whether the application you need is available. If a license requirement is not listed or you are unsure whether your license can be used in the SRE, contact SRE Support before planning your work.
View the Approved SRE Software List
Python and R Packages
The SRE includes approved packages and libraries for Python and R. Review the current package lists before requesting an additional package.
View Approved Python Packages
View Approved R Packages
If the package you need is not listed, follow the software-request process below.
Request Software or a New Package
If your project requires an application or package that is not currently available, contact SRE Support. Requests are reviewed for licensing, security, compatibility, and data-protection requirements.
- Check the approved lists. Confirm that the application or package is not already available.
- Describe what you need. Provide the software or package name, version, license information, and a brief explanation of the research need.
- Submit the request. Send the information to SRE Support for review.
- Wait for approval. Do not plan to use the requested software until SRE Support confirms that it has been approved and made available.
Email SRE Support About a Software Request
AI and Specialized Computing Options
Research projects may be able to use approved artificial intelligence services or specialized computing resources within the SRE. The appropriate approach depends on how the project will interact with the AI model, the computing resources required, and the project’s security and compliance requirements.
API-Based AI Access
Approved AI models may be accessed through application programming interfaces (APIs) from code running within the SRE. API-based access may be available in Standard SRE or Custom Compute, depending on the project’s requirements. All proposed AI implementations require review and approval before use, and associated costs are billed to the research project.
Locally Deployed Models
Projects that need to host and run a model within their own computing environment require Custom Compute. This option can provide additional flexibility and control but may require specialized computing resources. Local deployments also require review and approval before use, and computing costs are billed to the research project.
Discuss AI or Specialized Computing Requirements with SRE Support