Research Infrastructure Services provides high-performance computing and data storage environments for users with approval to work with NIH-controlled-access data, including data from repositories such as dbGaP and similar controlled-access sources.
Get onboarded
New users complete the onboarding process and receive access to the RIS access-controlled environments.
RIS User Documentation
Looking for more information, best practices, and how-tos? Our user documentation can help!
Accessing & downloading data
- You have an active RIS account and can sign in to RIS compute resources.
- You have access to an RIS storage allocation where the data will be stored.
- You have repository-specific authorization required to access the dataset, such as a valid NIH access approval or repository credential file.
- You have completed the required RIS user agreements, attestation, and training.
- If you are connecting from off campus, you are using the approved WashU remote access path, including VPN when required.
Access is conditional. RIS access for controlled environments depends on meeting policy, training, and authorization requirements. If any required attestation or training has expired, your access may be removed until it is completed again.
FAQ
Yes, this is the expected workflow.
Yes, approved RIS compute environments are available for processing and analysis.
Yes, use the approved RIS storage associated with your project or allocation.
No, controlled-access data must not be stored or processed outside RIS.
No, portable or unmanaged storage is not an approved location.
No, keep data within RIS unless an approved compliant destination and process exist.
No, do not submit controlled data to unapproved AI platforms or external services.