Welcome to this special publication dedicated to the use of high-performance computing in science. It is brought to you by the team behind Scientific Computing World (SCW) which, for those picking up this magazine at the International Supercomputing Conference in Dresden, is an established title that is at the forefront of software developed specially for use by scientists.
This publication, then, is an extension of that, and a recognition that high-performance computing and science go hand in hand.
In SCW, our rule is that if its a scientist or engineer that will choose whether to purchase the software in question, then it is software that is relevant editorially. By the same token, this publication looks at how high-performance computing can be tailored for use specifically by scientists and engineers.
Essentially, the term high-performance computing covers anything from the huge, hectare-covering multiple-server supercomputers right down to the desktop level something that has only become possible relatively recently.
In this magazine, then, we look at several aspects of high-performance computing: firstly, John Murphy talks to Hans Meuer, the founder of the International Supercomputing Conference and a name synonymous with the market for years.
David Robson looks at the emerging trend of using GPUs to relieve some of the processing load from CPUs. This combination of software and hardware is helping scientists and engineers slash the time it takes to complete calculations and process data.
Gemma Simpson brings us up to speed with the increased power now available at the desktop, removing the need to outsource projects to specialist highperformance computing centres.
As well as a guide to some of the highlights of the International Supercomputing Conference, we also talk to a couple of employees at a supercomputing centre about the varied roles they fulfil.
Warren Clark
John Murphy meets Hans Meuer, who has been involved with the International Supercomputing Conference in Germany since it began.
David Robson on the processing burden being shared by GPUs
Gemma Simpson looks at how software and hardware vendors are creating desktop HPC solutions specifically for scientists
Do you have a zest for problem solving and a passion for science? David Robson finds out why work as a high-performance computing consultant may be the ideal job for you
Things are hotting up in the world of weather and climate forecasting thanks to today’s highly ambitious projects
Drug discovery is a complex process that requires increasing resources and time to generate new molecules. As the processes have matured there is an increasing reliance on computational methods to accelerate the discovery process.
Patients across the UK will benefit from better healthcare, treatments and faster diagnosis as the government sets out plans to deliver genomic healthcare
One of the most obvious, and immediate challenges when bringing new software into a lab environment is the likely ‘spaghetti soup’ of existing platforms – possibly from multiple vendors – that are already installed, suggests Richard Milne
With the growth of AI and DL comes new opportunities for emerging applications finds Robert Roe
Robert Roe takes a look at the training and skills development opportunities for scientists using HPC in their research
A round-up of the latest cooling technologies for scientists using HPC to support their research
A round-up of the latest storage products and technology available for scientists using HPC as a tool for their research
