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IT Service Status
IT Service Status

Transferring Data to or from Northwestern Storage Services

Whether you are joining Northwestern and bringing your data from a previous institution, departing Northwestern with your data, or moving your data between Northwestern storage services, this page will help you transfer your data efficiently.

Globus

Researchers worldwide use Globus to transfer and share files stored on research data storage systems. Using Globus, researchers can efficiently transfer large files without worrying about lost network connections and file corruption. Globus also allows users to share data with collaborators and automate data transfers.

Globus at Northwestern

Northwestern IT provides support for any researcher using Globus, including training, troubleshooting, designing and automating workflows, and data sharing. Email globus-help@northwestern.edu for troubleshooting support or request a consultation for more in-depth discussions about fitting Globus into your workflow.

Globus collections allow users to transfer data between specific Northwestern storage systems, including those that store sensitive data. See our Globus collections documentation for more information. You can also install Globus Connect Personal on your computer to transfer files between your computer and these systems.

What If I Can't Use Globus?

Many storage systems are not accessible to Globus, and some data providers require specific transfer methods. For example, the National Center for Biotechnology Information databases use FTP servers or Aspera to transfer large datasets.

Northwestern IT can also help with these data workflows. If Globus does not work for your research data workflow, request a consultation, and we can help you find an alternative approach.