Big data research at the University of Guelph will get even bigger.

The University has joined a collaborative research and development consortium in advanced computing and big data analytics.

The Southern Ontario Smart Computing Innovation Platform (SOSCIP) brings together academic researchers, government and industry leaders to work on advanced computing and “big data” projects with strong potential for commercialization.

Supported by the Canadian and provincial governments, the consortium is made up of 15 Ontario universities and colleges, as well as the Ontario Centres of Excellence and IBM Canada Ltd.

The group will give U of G access to advanced computing platforms, resources and expertise available nowhere else in Canada.

“Big data extends across all of University of Guelph’s research strengths, from agri-food science and biodiversity genomics, to water engineering, environmental monitoring, and digital humanities,” said Malcolm Campbell, U of G’s vice-president (research).

“We are very excited to be part of the SOSCIP ecosystem and have the opportunity to leverage SOSCIP’s computing technologies, expertise, and business development support to work with our industrial partners to harness the power of big data and drive innovation.”

In welcoming U of G, SOSCIP executive director Elissa Strome said: “We’re looking forward to supporting new projects that capitalize on Guelph’s unique research strengths and extensive partnerships with industry.”

Recent new investments from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, the province and IBM Canada Ltd. have enabled SOSCIP to expand its computing platforms and resources to increase capacity and add new members, she said.

“The University of Guelph will clearly be a critical strategic partner in achieving the consortium’s objectives during our current phase of expansion and optimization,” Strome said.

SOSCIP focuses on such applications as advanced manufacturing, digital media, cybersecurity, mining, health, water, energy and cities.

As the founding and lead industrial partner of SOSCIP, IBM provides extensive technical and research expertise on all of the consortium’s computing platforms.

Said Allen Lalonde, senior executive, IBM Canada Research and Development Centre: “IBM has a long history of collaborating with Canadian universities, including the University of Guelph, and we are looking forward to developing that partnership even further now that they are members of SOSCIP.”