Integration Capabilities
Research IT integration capabilities focus on connecting research‑specific tools, platforms, and data with the University’s wider digital and IT environment. This includes integrating research systems with core services such as identity, storage, compute, finance, and reporting platforms, so that research activity can operate reliably within a joined‑up digital ecosystem rather than in isolation.
People use Research IT integration support when their projects rely on multiple systems working together – for example, linking instruments, data stores, compute platforms, or external services to University systems. Effective integration reduces manual work, improves data flow and governance, and helps research projects scale sustainably while remaining secure and supportable.
Our Services
Select the tabs below to learn more about the services we can support you with.
Description and Features
Research IT can provide guidance and hands-on support with the installation, configuration, and integration of specialist laboratory equipment and its associated operating software into the University's network and research data infrastructure.
This service is relevant where laboratory instruments need to:
- Connect to the University network or data storage systems.
- Transfer data automatically to central or project-specific storage.
- Integrate with data analysis pipelines or laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
- Operate within specific network security or data governance constraints.
Research IT works closely with equipment vendors, facilities teams, and researchers to ensure that laboratory systems are set up correctly and that data flows reliably from instrument to storage or analysis environment.
Support and availability
Please contact Research IT via the IT Service Desk to discuss your laboratory equipment integration requirements before procurement where possible, to ensure compatibility with University infrastructure.
Description and Features
Research IT can support researchers in using digitisation technologies to capture, process, and manage high-quality digital representations of physical objects, spaces, and artefacts. These techniques are particularly valuable for heritage, humanities, environmental, and engineering research.
Technologies and methods supported include:
- 3D scanning — creating precise digital models of physical objects or environments using structured light or laser scanning equipment.
- Photogrammetry — generating 3D models and measurements from overlapping photographic images, suitable for fieldwork and remote capture scenarios.
Digitisation outputs can be integrated with the University's research data storage infrastructure and, where appropriate, published or shared via suitable repositories. Research IT can advise on workflows, file formats, and storage requirements for digitisation projects.
Support and availability
Please contact Research IT via the IT Service Desk to discuss digitisation project requirements, including equipment access, processing workflows, and data management.
Description and Features
Research IT provides specialist support for the configuration, networking, and ongoing management of medical imaging equipment used in research, including X-ray, MRI, PET-CT, DXA, and Ultrasound systems.
The service covers:
- Network configuration to connect imaging equipment to appropriate data processing and storage systems.
- Integration with Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) software and other bespoke medical imaging platforms.
- Advice on and support for OMERO as an open-source platform for the storage, management, and sharing of research imaging data.
- Guidance on data formats, transfer protocols (e.g., DICOM), and compliance with relevant data governance requirements for medical imaging data.
Research IT works with clinical, life science, and sports science research groups to ensure imaging data is captured reliably, stored securely, and accessible to authorised project members.
Support and availability
Please contact Research IT via the IT Service Desk to discuss medical imaging infrastructure requirements. Early engagement is recommended when procuring new imaging equipment. To raise this type of request please use the following category: I need something IT Equipiment Request Something Else - put in the description "Please pass to Research IT" *Please not support may come via the 3rd party supplier. *In the event of an issue plesase raise an incient ticket with the Service Desk
Description and Features
When new research equipment is acquired, ensuring it is correctly commissioned and integrated into the University's digital infrastructure is essential for reliable data capture and research continuity. Research IT can support the digital commissioning process for a wide range of research equipment.
The service includes:
- Verification that equipment network connectivity, authentication, and data transfer configurations meet University standards.
- Testing and validation of data pipelines from instrument to storage or analysis system.
- Documentation of system configuration to support future maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Coordination with vendors, facilities teams, and IT colleagues to resolve commissioning issues.
Digital commissioning is distinct from physical installation and is focused on ensuring that equipment functions correctly within the University's digital research environment from day one.
Support and availability
Please contact Research IT via the Service Desk to arrange digital commissioning support for new or relocated research equipment.
Description and Features
Research IT provides support for the deployment and management of Virtual Reality (VR) systems used in research contexts across a range of disciplines, including psychology, sports science, medical imaging, digital humanities, and engineering.
The service covers:
- Advice on appropriate VR hardware selection for research applications (e.g., Meta Quest, HTC Focus Vision headsets).
- Configuration and management of VR headsets, including device management via iOS or Android management applications.
- Support for small-group VR deployments suitable for controlled research studies.
- Guidance on data capture, storage, and analysis workflows for VR-generated research data.
Research IT can help ensure that VR systems are set up correctly for your specific research protocol and that data generated is captured and stored appropriately.
Support and availability
Please contact Research IT via the Service Desk to discuss VR system requirements and support arrangements for your research project. Please select the category: I need something IT Equipiment Request Something Else - put in the description "Please pass to Research IT"
Description and Features
The University of Exeter operates a REDCap installation to support researchers conducting longitudinal data collection, surveys, and online database projects. REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) is a secure, web-based platform widely used in academic and clinical research.
Key features include:
- Design and management of complex, multi-instrument surveys and data entry forms within a single project.
- Full support for longitudinal data collection, including repeat instruments and scheduled follow-up data capture.
- Direct data entry by project team members as well as participant-facing survey links.
- Robust audit trails and access controls to support data governance and ethical compliance requirements.
- Integration with other research data workflows.
REDCap is particularly well-suited to clinical studies, cohort research, and projects requiring structured, repeatable data collection over time. Use is chargeable, and a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is required before access is granted.
Support and availability
Use of REDCap is chargeable. A DPIA must be completed prior to gaining access. Extensive support documentation is available from Vanderbilt University (the platform's developer). Please contact Research IT to initiate access and discuss project requirements. IT helpdesk. I need something Software Request Something Else - put in the description "Please pass to Research IT"
Requesting the service
REDCap is charged Direclty (monthly) from the AWS charges acrued
Links
Description and Features
The University provides access to a choice of cloud-based online survey platforms to support research data collection, offering flexibility to meet different project requirements:
- Qualtrics — a powerful, feature-rich commercial survey platform available to academic staff and students via the exe.qualtrics.com brand (authenticated via University SSO). A separate brand (exeteruni.qualtrics.com) is used by Professional Services for non-research purposes. Qualtrics is available under a three-year University licence.
- Jisc Online Surveys — a UK-developed survey platform designed specifically for academic and research use, offering a straightforward and compliant alternative to commercial tools.
- Microsoft Forms — available to all University staff and students via Microsoft 365, suitable for simple surveys and quick data collection.
Research IT and relevant service teams can advise on the most appropriate platform for your research design, participant population, and data governance requirements.
Support and availability
- Qualtrics access for academic staff and students is via exe.qualtrics.com using University SSO credentials.
- Associates and Profesional Services staff will need to request access to use the exe.qualtrics.com brand of Qualtrics via the Service Desk.
- For advice on platform selection or access, please contact Research IT via the Service Desk using the category I need something Request something else - put in the description "Please pass to Research IT"