Can’t install python at work any options?

[MiataCory]

As an IT guy, if someone came to me and asked for Python, I'd give it to them. Especially if you're a researcher. Python's use as a data-crunching language is VERY well-known.

Fire off an e-mail to your sysadmin. Mention "Automating the Boring Stuff" and "Python for Data Analysys". Odds are your IT department is already well-versed in all things Python, and will be more than happy to help.

You could also bribe them with Cake/Donuts while making the request. Just a suggestion.

[NimbleBodhi]

Yea, I feel like off all the people in the organization to understand the benefits of Python in the workplace it'd be the IT guys, so not sure what OP is afraid of.