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
Through the use of cutting-edge simulation, software engineers are developing innovative new wind energy technology and increasing the efficiency and durability of wind turbines. The drive to find sustainable energy sources is one of the most pressing concerns facing society.
Dame Sally Davies, the outgoing Chief Medical Officer for England, pulls no punches when it comes to the threat of antibiotic resistance. She has called for an ‘Extinction Rebellion-type’ response to it, describing it as ‘catastrophic’ and ‘as dangerous as climate change’.
The Pistoia Alliance has been pioneering initiatives that will support organisations as they work to enable and engage Fair (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) principles of data management and stewardship in their organisations.
Achronix and Bittware collaborate on a new FPGA designed for cloud, AI and machine learning applications, writes Robert Roe
By increasing the energy efficiency of a supercomputer scientists can save huge amounts of money over the total lifecycle of the system. With ever-increasing core counts and increasingly large supercomputers, the drive for increased computational power comes at a cost.
