From Siloed Systems to Shared Success: Debunking the Myths of Research Autonomy in a Shared System
Part of the blog series on Collaborative Research IT Infrastructure
In our last post, we explored why a shared infrastructure makes sense—highlighting how collaborative systems reduce costs, improve security, simplify compliance, and offer scalable, cutting-edge tools for research. But even with all these benefits, one hesitation often remains: the fear of losing control. Many researchers worry that adopting a shared platform means sacrificing flexibility and autonomy. Today, we want to set the record straight.
One of the most persistent myths about shared research infrastructure is that it limits autonomy. For many researchers, the idea of moving to a shared system raises concerns about losing control over their environment, tools, and data. But in reality, a well-designed shared system does the opposite—it empowers researchers by providing the flexibility and support they need to focus on what matters most: their work.
Rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach, shared infrastructure can offer tailored environments that meet the specific needs of individual projects and disciplines. Through tools like virtual machines, containerization, and managed research platforms, researchers gain on-demand access to custom configurations and specialized software—without the burden of setting up and maintaining complex systems themselves. These environments can be as open or restricted as necessary, aligning with project requirements while ensuring data security and compliance.
A shared system also removes the weight of day-to-day IT management. No more worrying about patching servers, configuring backups, or troubleshooting hardware failures. Researchers can reclaim time and energy, redirecting their focus to experiment design, analysis, and discovery. This support is especially critical for smaller teams without dedicated IT personnel, leveling the playing field and enabling broader participation in data-intensive research.
Moreover, shared infrastructure actively facilitates collaboration. Standardized platforms and interoperable systems make it easier to share data, reproduce analyses, and co-author work across departments or even institutions. Whether it’s interdisciplinary teams tackling complex problems or cross-campus initiatives pursuing national funding, a unified infrastructure lowers technical barriers and accelerates collaboration.
Autonomy in research isn’t about managing everything alone—it’s about having the freedom to explore, test, and innovate without unnecessary friction. Shared infrastructure provides that freedom. It brings flexibility, reliability, and scalability together in a way that enhances—not diminishes—researchers’ independence.
Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore the benefits of shared storagee—exploring how scalable, secure, and cost-efficient storage solutions can support everything from active datasets to long-term archives, helping researchers manage data with confidence at every stage.
Written by Lucas Alcantara
