New Globus Integration Expands Data Transfer and Collaboration Options for RDSS Users
Posted Date: July 28, 2026
Northwestern IT has expanded its data transfer infrastructure to give all Research Data Storage Service (RDSS) and FSMResFiles users access to Globus, a powerful platform for transferring, sharing, and managing research data.
These enhancements make moving data between RDSS, FSMResFiles and other storage systems and collaborating with colleagues both inside and outside Northwestern easier for researchers, and allows secure transfer of certain types of sensitive data.
A Faster, More Flexible Way to Move Research Data
Globus is a widely used research data management platform designed to simplify large-scale data transfers. Through an easy-to-use web interface, researchers can initiate and monitor transfers, and schedule recurring data transfers. Globus automatically monitors transfers, resumes interrupted transfers when possible, and provides status updates to help ensure data reaches its destination successfully.
New Globus Collections Available Now
All RDSS and FSMResFiles users can immediately begin using the following Northwestern Globus collections:
- Northwestern RDSS: Resfiles
- Northwestern RDSS: Resfilesaudit – High Assurance
- Northwestern FSMResFiles – High Assurance
These collections provide a secure and reliable way to move research data between Northwestern storage environments and other approved research platforms. Using these new Globus collections, RDSS users can:
- Transfer files between RDSS and any other Globus collection connected to a data storage platform approved to store your research data.
- Easily move large datasets between storage systems and institutions by automating monitoring and error handling.
- Collaborate with colleagues by sharing specific files and folders stored in the RDSS resfiles zone and FSMResFiles with internal or external collaborators without requiring an affiliate NetIDs.
- Transfer certain sensitive data types—including personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI)—between the RDSS audited zone, FSMResFiles and other storage systems approved to store these data types using a High Assurance Globus collection. Data regulated by NIST 800-171 is not eligible for this service.
Researchers interested in learning more can review the Globus documentation available on the RCDS Documentation Platform:
For questions or assistance, contact the Research Computing and Data Services team at globus-help@northwestern.edu.