Unlocking Global Collaboration in High-Performance Computing: The HPC-Europa3 Program
HPC-Europa3 is a novel platform for worldwide HPC collaboration. The EU's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program funded the effort, which advanced scientific research and created global networks of academic and industrial researchers. Although the HPC-Europa3 initiative ended in April 2022, its community, resources, and objectives promote future potential.
HPC-Europa3 provided academics with transnational access to world-class HPC computers to remove obstacles to cutting-edge computing resources. This environment enabled groundbreaking research, more than a technological offering. The program also paid for scholars' travel and living expenses so they could work with European specialists. In its active years, HPC-Europa3 provided over 1,000 guests with up to 100 million CPU hours to use.
Bridging Geographic and Disciplinary Gaps
The project was designed to promote cross-border and cross-disciplinary knowledge sharing. Multidisciplinary researchers could work with host researchers at top HPC centers. Technical training and computational activities were typically combined with scientific research, which had a lasting impact on participants' careers and research fields. Each visiting researcher received customized technical and scientific support from the host university. The hands-on approach maximized HPC resources and allowed them to learn from their host. Travel and living cost reimbursement lowered financial obstacles, making the program accessible to more researchers.
Beyond Resources: Building a Community
HPC-Europa3 had a strong, collaborative community and computational capability. The program shared knowledge and skills through workshops, webinars, and events. Webinars like "Travel, Compute, Network" helped prospective participants understand the application procedure and program benefits. Word-cloud activities showed participants' different study journeys and the program's influence. The project's diverse partner institutions and adaptation throughout the COVID-19 epidemic showed its commitment to inclusivity and creativity. Despite the global disruption, program centers supported visiting researchers to ensure continuity and safety.
After HPC-Europa3 ended in 2022, its website and platforms continued to provide updates on future activities. Users are encouraged to keep engaged via social media and mailing lists to learn about new opportunities. The collaborations, innovative research, and worldwide community it created are its legacy. HPC-Europa3 shows how innovative projects may transcend borders, disciplines, and problems to last. By democratizing high-performance computing, it advanced scientific discovery and created a standard for worldwide research collaboration. HPC-Europa3 inspires individuals seeking cutting-edge HPC resources and worldwide expertise.