Blog

By Sophia Honisch (High-Performance Computing Center Stuttgart)

 

Attending SC24 in Atlanta this November was an invigorating experience for everyone involved with the HANAMI project. Visited by around 17,000 persons from all over the world, the conference provided a good opportunity to connect with HPC professionals from around the globe, exchange ideas, and showcase our collective work. Several partners showcased the project on their booths, and a video of HANAMI was also displayed at the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking’s booth, in order to increase the project’s visibility. HANAMI’s Birds of a Feather (BoF) session, “Building International HPC Collaborations Across Continents to Tackle Grand Challenges: The HANAMI Project,” was a standout event, offering deep insights into the complexities and rewards of global cooperation in high-performance computing.

 

A Shared Vision: Addressing Global Challenges Together

 

The SC24 BoF session was much more than a presentation—it was a lively, interactive dialogue that brought together experts and newcomers alike to discuss the critical role of international collaboration in advancing HPC. As Sophia Honisch, our session lead, succinctly put it during her opening remarks: “Science thrives on collaboration. Only by uniting across borders can we tackle the challenges that no single region or institution can address alone.”

 

With around 30 participants from diverse professional backgrounds—science, industry, and public administration—the room buzzed with a shared commitment to exploring how we can better integrate resources, expertise, and perspectives across continents. The audience’s input during interactive elements, such as a live poll via Mentimeter, underscored the universal recognition of international partnerships as a cornerstone of innovation.

 

Lessons from the Panel

 

 

One of the session highlights was the panel discussion, a dynamic format that allowed panelists and audience members to engage directly. Moderated by France Boillod-Cerneux, the conversation touched on a range of topics, from the practical hurdles of collaboration, such as time zones and funding constraints, to the incredible value of shared knowledge and diverse cultural perspectives.

Several audience members stepped into the spotlight to share their own experiences. A recurring theme was the need for better frameworks to sustain long-term collaborations, particularly when spanning continents. As one participant noted, “Time zones are tricky, but trust and shared goals make the effort worthwhile.”

 

Key Takeaways: Challenges and Opportunities

 

Through the audience responses, several challenges were repeatedly highlighted:

 

• Funding: Securing resources for intercontinental projects remains a significant barrier. Participants voiced the need for funding mechanisms tailored to the unique requirements of international collaborations.

 

• Cultural and Administrative Differences: Navigating varied bureaucratic and cultural landscapes can slow progress but also offer opportunities for mutual understanding and growth.

 

• Communication and Logistics: From managing language barriers to coordinating across time zones, effective communication is both a challenge and a skill that collaboration enhances.

 

On the flip side, the benefits of collaboration were equally clear:

 

• Knowledge Sharing: Participants emphasized the immense value of exchanging ideas, learning alternative approaches to research, and understanding diverse user requirements.

 

• Skill Development: International projects create opportunities to expand technical expertise and build lasting professional networks.

 

• Shared Infrastructure: Joint use of HPC resources and software development efforts can accelerate progress while avoiding duplication.

 

Building a More Sustainable Future with HANAMI

 

As we reflect on the BoF session and the broader SC24 experience, several insights resonate strongly with HANAMI’s mission. First, international collaboration is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for addressing the grand challenges of computational science, from climate modeling to biomedical applications. Second, sustainability in collaboration requires thoughtful investment, both in funding and in building trust across borders.

 

The feedback and ideas generated during the session are already helping shape the next phase of HANAMI’s sustainability roadmap. From advocating for more inclusive funding structures to exploring shared HPC resources and fostering talent exchange programs, we are committed to integrating these learnings into our work.

 

Looking Ahead: A Call for Broader Engagement

 

The SC24 BoF was not just an event—it was a call to action. It reminded us that the future of HPC lies in collaboration that transcends geographic, cultural, and institutional boundaries. Whether through shared infrastructures, joint research initiatives, or simply the willingness to engage in dialogue, we have the tools to build a truly global HPC community.

 

As HANAMI continues to evolve, we invite all stakeholders—scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and beyond—to join us in this journey. Together, we can unlock new possibilities and address the pressing challenges of our time.