Containers are self-contained pieces of software that allow you to run applications easily across all sorts of different computing hardware - from your laptop to your institutional high-performance computing system - without the need for a complicated installation process. Containers are also an effective way of achieving a reproducible analysis pipeline, allowing researchers to ensure that the same version of an application and consistent computational environment are used each time.

This short introductory course will show you how to find and use containers in a typical HPC research computing context, using the Singularity container platform.

Please note that the workshop does not cover the use of the Docker container platform, although you will learn how to import Docker containers into Singularity.

FAQs

What should I bring into the event?

This is an online workshop, so you will need to provide your own computer and have access to a reliable internet connection sufficient for video conferencing. A second monitor is highly recommended.

What prior experience do I need?

Previous experience with Unix or Linux is highly recommended

Who should attend?

Anyone interested in finding out more about containers and learning how to run research software from containers. Please be aware that not all QCIF member universities support general use of containers on their HPC system, so please check whether this is the case before registering.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

You can email training@qcif.edu.au

What's the cancellation policy?

Cancellations are accepted up to three working days before the start of the workshop. If you do not join on the day without having cancelled beforehand, you may be blocked from attending any future QCIF training workshops.