Vault Collaborative Research Data Storage

Collaborative Research Data Storage is a Web-based tool that offers Northwestern researchers a place to upload, store, and share large research related documents with colleagues via a Web link or URL, and supports basic Web publishing via a Web content folder.

Each account includes 50GB of storage. Any content placed onto the system must be in conjunction with University or Department recognized research activities. Eligible researchers must complete an application for a Collaborative Research Data Storage account and receive 50GB of storage provided at no cost.

Eligible researchers can request additional storage in increments of 100GB on a cost per 100GB increment basis.

Vault resources should NOT be used to store data that is subject to regulatory or compliance requirements, including but not limited to:

Data sets such as images, sound, large computer data sets, or files too large to send through traditional e-mail are examples of documents that can be uploaded and shared. Additionally, colleagues within or outside of the University can send files to the research account holder.

Features and Benefits

  • 50 GB storage space per account at no cost
  • Access to the service through Web and desktop clients
  • Ability to share data with internal and external collaborators for specified time periods
  • User-friendly Web interface
  • Integrated Help feature
  • Drag-and-drop file uploads within the browser interface
  • Creation of project spaces upon request

Request an Account

All Northwestern University researchers, faculty researchers, and post-doctoral researchers with a valid NetID are eligible to request a Collaborative Research Data Storage account.

Student researchers are notified by their faculty advisor regarding account access.

Request Additional Storage

To obtain additional storage in increments of 100 GBs, Northwestern faculty researchers must submit The Letter of Intent to Obtain Additional Vault Storage, including funding documentation, must be approved and signed by the requesting faculty member and approved and signed by NUIT, The Office of the Provost, and the Office for Research.  (See Appendix A of the High Performance Computing (HPC) Central Storage Resources for Research Support pdf for additional information).

Cost

The initial 50GB of Collaborative Research Data Storage is provided at no cost.

The cost for additional storage is $76.00 per 100GB increment for a period of four years.

Installation Cycle

Vault Collaborative Research Data Storage is expanded regularly throughout the year.  Each expansion is a 4 to 8 week process in which capacity needs are reviewed to determine service expansion needs.

Duration of Access

Access to Vault Collaborative Research Data Storage in excess of 50GBs is guaranteed for a period of four years from the date of installation of the funded hardware expansion.

Additional Information

Support Contacts

Support Contact:

Vault Support

NUIT Academic & Research Technologies
vault-help@northwestern.edu