A scalable HPC framework for bioinformatics in resource-limited settings: design principles, implementation, and sustainability from the UVRI experience.

Abstract

Building and sustaining High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure for bioinformatics research in resource-limited settings presents significant technical, financial and operational challenges. Institutions in low-and middle-income regions often face constraints such as limited technical expertise, unstable infrastructure and restricted funding which can hinder the deployment of large-scale computational platforms necessary for modern genomics and bioinformatics analyses. We present a scalable and modular HPC framework developed at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) to support large-scale genomics and other omics data analyses in resource-limited settings. The framework integrates open-source HPC management tools, infrastructure automation, and reproducible configuration management to enable reliable deployment and maintenance. Optimized storage and networking configurations combined with a phased capacity-building strategy support high-throughput genomic workflows while strengthening local technical expertise. From our implementation experience, we derive ten practical design and operational rules that provide a transferable methodology for establishing and sustaining in-house HPC infrastructure. These rules emphasize strategic investment in human capacity, structured planning, leveraging collaborations, adoption of open-source technologies and service management practices to improve operational resilience and long-term sustainability. The design principles, automation strategies and implementation guidelines described in this work are applicable to institutions seeking to establish sustainable HPC resources for bioinformatics research in resource-constrained environments.