ENCCS brought the European HPC training ecosystem together for a dynamic community event
In a rapidly evolving landscape, training the next generation in high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing is essential to maintaining Europe’s edge in scientific research and industrial innovation. Recognizing this, ENCCS in collaboration with NCC Finland, NCC Lithuania and MultiXscale CoE organised an online community event on October 22 focused on the HPC Training Ecosystem in Europe. We brought together HPC training providers and stakeholders to discuss shared challenges, innovative solutions, and future visions for HPC training. Slides from all presentations are available for download below!
Connecting the European HPC training community
We designed the event to tackle a central issue: while Europe’s HPC centers and initiatives offer extensive training on advanced digital technologies, the vast ecosystem can be challenging to navigate. With input from leaders in HPC training projects across Europe and beyond, participants explored how to coordinate these efforts, share resources, and address common obstacles. Presentations from prominent projects provided insight into innovative approaches to training and certification, setting the stage for lively discussions.
Key discussions: from scalability to diversity and certification
A broad range of topics took center stage, starting with scalability in training. Participants considered where scaling efforts would have the greatest impact. Should they focus on reaching more end users at introductory levels or concentrate on advanced training for niche skills? The conversation also tackled critical questions around resource access, with participants identifying barriers to scale up HPC training because of the need to prepare accounts on HPC systems and set up software environments.
Collaborating on content and infrastructure
Participants also explored content creation and collaboration, asking: should HPC training providers work together more closely on lesson development? Open-source content was highlighted as a key tool for resource-sharing, and some participants envisioned modular, adaptable training materials that could be tailored to different HPC sites. The discussion extended to infrastructure needs, where we discussed ideas such as “Training Infrastructure as a Service” as a potential way to expand access to specialized resources.
In a future-focused discussion, participants considered the scalability of HPC training programs and questioned how to ensure that HPC certifications are widely recognized and valued. Integrating microcredentials into training was suggested as a way to make certification more flexible and accessible.
Vision for the future of HPC training in Europe
The event closed with a session dedicated to imagining the future of HPC training. Participants painted a picture of a more accessible, streamlined training landscape where resources are widely available, content is modular, and translation tools help to break down language barriers. As part of a five-year vision, they envisioned a connected ecosystem that fosters seamless learning and collaboration across Europe.
This community event highlighted both the strengths and the untapped potential of Europe’s HPC training ecosystem. By bringing together experts, fostering collaboration, and identifying actionable steps forward, we are paving the way for a more unified and impactful HPC training landscape in Europe.
Topics and speakers of the event including their slide sets/links:
Content creators
- HPC Carpentry (Alan O’Cais)
- CodeRefinery (Johan Hellsvik)
- Archer2 (David Henty)
- Aalto Scientific Computing (Simo Tuomisto)
Infrastructure
- Training Academy (Thor Wikfeldt)
- UNIVERSE-HPC (Martin Robinson)
- HPCEd (Brian Guilfoos)
- HPCSPECTRA (Simon Wong)
Training programs
