Conducting research with sensitive data requires specialized computing infrastructure that meets stringent federal compliance standards. Yale offers secure computing, storage, and database environments for researchers working with regulated data, such as protected health information and controlled-access datasets.
This page presents Yale’s regulated computing platforms compliant with federal regulations, including HIPAA and NIST 800-171.
Hopper
Computing Cluster
Hopper is a shared-use computing platform focused on processing sensitive data, including electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI), NIH Controlled-Access Data, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). It provides both standard computing and GPU-enabled nodes for large-scale, intensive computational research.
The platform is managed by Yale Center for Research Computing (YCRC) and Health Sciences Information Technology (HSIT).
Availability
All Yale affiliates working with regulated data and other types of sensitive data
Security & Compliance
NIST 800-171 + HIPAA
Technical Specifications
Compute Resources: 60 compute nodes with H200, H100, A40, L40S, A5000 GPUs. Storage: 1TiB/project
Cost
Hopper rates, effective January 1, 2026
Use case examples:
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AI/ML on medical images
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Clinical research datasets
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Patient-derived genomics
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Imaging tied to identifiers
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NIH-sponsored controlled access studies
Hopper description for grant applications
CAS login required
SpinupPlus is a secure cloud environment—an extension of Spinup —tailored for human subjects research involving regulated data and Protected Health Information (PHI). SpinupPlus adheres to stringent industry standards, including NIST 800-171 and HIPAA compliance.
The platform is managed by Yale Biomedical Informatics & Computing (YBIC) and Health Sciences Information Technology (HSIT).
Availability
All Yale affiliates working with regulated data and other types of sensitive data
Security & Compliance
NIST 800-171 + HIPAA
Technical Specifications
Compute Resources: AWS resources, GPU availability dependent on AWS. Storage: configured per resource
Cost
Cost determined based upon computing needs and utilization
Use Case Examples:
-
AI/ML on medical images
-
Clinical research datasets
-
Patient-derived genomics
-
Imaging tied to identifiers
-
NIH-sponsored controlled access studies
-
Storing imaging datasets
Spinup Plus description for grant applications
CAS login required
Secure Aligned Flexible Environment (SAFE)
Computing Cluster
Secure Aligned Flexible Environment (SAFE) is a secure, compliant, and collaborative environment tailored for interdisciplinary teams to analyze a diverse array of clinical data sourced from the YNHH EHR system. SAFE offers adaptable computing configurations tailored to meet the complex computational demands of large-scale clinical and translational research, including the development of innovative medical AI applications. SAFE was formerly referred to as: Computational Health Platform (CHP).
The platform is managed by Health Sciences Information Technology (HSIT).
Availability
Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) affiliates
Security and Compliance
HIPAA
Technical Specifications
Compute Resources: Container architecture with Kamino interface, H100/A100/V100 GPUs Storage: 1.0PiB total, variable allocation
Cost
SAFE rates effective February 1, 2026.
Use Case Examples
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Clinical research datasets
-
Patient-derived genomics
-
Imaging tied to identifiers
-
Departmental file sharing
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Storing imaging datasets for research
SAFE description for grant applications
CAS login required
Compare Yale’s Regulated Computing Platforms and Get Help
| Hopper | Spinup Plus | SAFE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance | HIPAA, NIST 800-171 | HIPAA, NIST 800-171 | HIPAA |
| Availability | All Yale researchers | All Yale researchers | YNHH affiliated researchers |
| Data Allowed | PHI, PII | PHI, PII | PHI, PII |
| Compute | 60 compute nodes with H200, H100, A40, L40S, A5000 GPUs | AWS resources, GPU availability dependent on AWS | Container architecture with Kamino interface, H100/A100/V100 GPUs |
| Storage | 1TiB/project, encryption-at-rest for all user data | Configured per resource | 1.0 PiB total, variable allocation |
| Cost | Review rates | Review rates | Review rates |
| Owner | YCRC, HSIT | HSIT | HSIT, YNHHS |
| Email for help with platform selection and/or usage | research.computing@yale.edu | hsit.rs@yale.edu | hsit.rs@yale.edu |