Tech Project

Description of the challenges faced by the Tech Project

MoeWE - Modular Training to qualify for High Performance Computing According to industrial trends, the demand for extensive knowledge in IT areas like simulation, modeling and programming is very high. Four partners, the High Performance Computing Center Stuttgart, the University of Ulm and Freiburg as well as the SICOS BW address this subject with a new, innovative training course program. The project aims at developing a blended learning course structure that combines online digital media with traditional classroom teaching methods. The training program covers the following areas to qualify professionals as experts in high performance computing: • parallel programming (IT-languages, tools, libraries and scheduling) • simulation (visualization, optimization, techniques and models of simulation) • cluster, cloud and high-performance-computing • business administration, ecology and economy • data management • introduction to IT The first courses will take place in the second half of 2018, and will be free-of-charge for all participants. People can book selected modules or the entire program, according to their background and needs.

Brief description of technology

The High Performance Computing Center of the University Stuttgart offers a variety of systems and technologies which are assessable and unsable for the artist. For example: 1. Supercomputer Hazel Hen, a Cray XC40-system. With a peak performance of 7.42 Petaflops, Hazel Hen is one of the most powerful High Performance Computing systems in the world and is the fastest supercomputer in the European Union. 2. 3D visualization center ("CAVE"), a walk-through cube of acrylic and glass for the complete three-dimensional representation of complex data. 3. A “Visualization Lab” enables usage of state-of-the-art equipment for virtual and augmented reality.

What the project is looking to gain from the collaboration and what kind of artist would be suitable

Within the project vertigo we are looking and aiming for connections between supercomputing, new forms of knowledge transfer and art. We hope that collaboration with and integration of an artist can give us a new perspective and potentially new approaches towards our greater aims. As we are pursuing an implementation of a blended learning course structure, expertise in the digital media, E-learning, and didactic field would be advisable but not mandatory. Also some knowledge in IT, computing or ideally High Performance Computing would be helpful to shorten the period of adjustment. Good English skills are required and a proper understanding of German would be helpful but not absolutely necessary.

Resources available to the artist

We will offer the artist a steady and inspirational workplace including internet connection at the High Performance Computing Center in Stuttgart for the period of employment. Additionally, the artist will also have the possibility to visit other project partners in Ulm and Freiburg. The artist will be integrated in the different work areas of the three project contributors working at High Performance Computing Center.