ICSC National Research Centre for High Performance Computing, Big Data and Quantum Computing
The Center advances R&D in high-performance computing (HPC), simulation, and big data analytics at national and international levels. It operates through a state-of-the-art infrastructure that integrates existing resources with emerging technologies, organized under a Hub-and-Spoke model: the Hub manages coordination, while 11 Spokes focus on infrastructure development (Spoke 0) and strategic research areas.
INAF leads Spoke 3, “Astrophysics & Cosmos Observations,” which applies advanced HPC and data processing methodologies based on machine learning and AI to key domains including cosmology, galaxies, space physics, radio astronomy, high-energy and multi-messenger astrophysics, and numerical modeling.
Spoke 3 also promotes training and outreach to build national expertise, fostering adoption of HPC, cloud, and data-intensive solutions across academia, research centers, and industry, in alignment with PNRR goals.
Planned activities:
• WP1: HPC code optimization—redesign and adapt key codes to exploit modern architectures (e.g. GPUs, ARM);
• WP2: Exascale algorithms—develop scalable methods, workflows, and codes for exascale and beyond;
• WP3: Big data & AI—apply machine learning and visualization to large datasets, integrating HPC/HTC/Cloud;
• WP4: Data management—implement FAIR, Open Science frameworks for storage and big data challenges;
• WP5: HPC services—provide integrated environments, data access, and high-throughput analysis tools.
Start: 01/09/2022
Duration: 3,5 years
Financing program: PNRR
Referent: Ugo Becciani
Collaborators: Claudio Gheller, Giuliano Taffoni
For further information: ICSC