Secure Computing

Research work with sensitive data requires special measures to ensure the security of the data. Depending on the specific requirements, this may be possible on existing central ScienceCloud services of Science IT, but requires the necessary expertise and corresponding effort to set up and operate such a platform. Additionally, there are secure computing services specifically designed for processing sensitive data. Such a service is not currently offered by Central IT.

Currently, services of decentralized units or providers external to UZH are recommended for work with sensitive data. Temporary solutions are being offered to UZH researchers while clarifications are ongoing, how UZH will support researchers who necessitate secure computing in the future.

A temporary agreement is in place for 2026 to facilitate access for UZH researchers to the Leonhard Med Trusted Research Environment offered at ETH Zurich. The agreement ensures pricing at “ETH-internal” level for UZH users.

UZH professors and heads of UZH research groups can directly contact the Leonhard Med staff as described here to renew or initiate secure computing projects. After first contact, the Leonhard Med team will prepare a service offer and share it with the UZH responsible for review and approval (solely based on budget). Once the approval is granted, service provisioning can start. Resources in Leonhard Med bought in 2026 for more than a year can be used until the end of their validity period.