PASC21 – Keynote Presentations and Update on Event Format

PASC21 keynote presentations

The theme of PASC21 is New Challenges, New Computing Paradigms and we are delighted to announce our conference keynote presenters who will address this topic from a variety of perspectives. We look forward to hearing how new computing paradigms – both in software and hardware – are being used to tackle major societal issues of today.

PASC21 keynote: Vivien Kendon (Durham University) is an associate professor of physics at Durham University and a world leader in hybrid quantum and classical computation and how to exploit the best of both paradigms.

 

 

 

 

Quantum Computing: Prospects and Challenges
Quantum computing promises more efficient computation for some important types of problems, such as simulation of quantum systems, non-convex optimization, and (famously) factoring large semi-primes. However, the first useful quantum computers will be limited in what they can do. Applying them to bottlenecks that are hard for classical computers is key to extracting the best performance out of combined classical and quantum hardware. Interfacing different types of hardware brings many challenges, including mismatched timescales, incompatible data formats, and more complicated logic in the programme flow. The basic concepts that make quantum computing an exciting near term prospect will be explained for non-experts, and some of the more adventurous opportunities explored.

PASC21 keynote: Jeronimo Castrillon (TU Dresden) is a professor in the Department of Computer Science at TU Dresden and is head of the Chair for Compiler Construction. His research focuses on methodologies, languages, tools and algorithms for programming complex computing systems.

 

 

 

 

 

Domain Specific Languages to Tame Heterogeneous and Emerging Computing Systems
Programming heterogeneous computing systems is a daunting task and will become even more challenging with the advent of emerging computer architectures. This complexity will make it harder to democratize high-performance computing, which today relies heavily on expert programmers to write efficient parallel code. This talk discusses domain specific languages (DSLs) as a promising avenue to tame heterogeneity for non-expert programmers. The high-level semantics in DSLs improves productivity while enabling coarser-grained optimization and safer code generation. Examples are provided from the domains of big-data, physics simulations and machine learning. The talk closes with insights on how compilers can leverage the high-level semantics of DSLs to optimize for emerging memory technologies.

PASC21 keynote: Dalia Conde (Species360 and University of Southern Denmark) collaborates with a broad network of scientists, zoos, aquariums, conservation organizations and policymakers to revolutionize animal conservation through the use of big data and high performance computing techniques.

 

 

 

 

 

Exploring and Mapping Data Landscapes to Rescue Species from Extinction
The escalating power of machine learning, big data and exascale computing positions computer scientists with critical methods needed to resolve one of humanity’s greatest challenges as identified by the World Economic Forum 2020: biodiversity loss. The design and implementation of species conservation strategies directly rely on accessing a high variety and volumes of information on species’ genetics, habitat, threats and human use. Despite promising advances in digital infrastructure and open data, we are still struggling to provide essential analytics for effective decision-making. In this keynote talk, we will unveil the results of a global initiative aiming to map, quantify and disseminate species open information to conservation policymakers globally. By developing partnerships to map information and generate development platforms, workflows and storage between open biodiversity repositories, we will outline how computational methods can be applied to novel scientific domains.

Conference format: confirmation of virtual component & update on possibility of in-person participation

We would like to provide an update on the plans for the PASC21 Conference (July 5 to 8, 2021). Due to the uncertainty of the current COVID-19 situation, for now, we can only confirm that the event will provide the possibility for virtual participation. The current conditions are not favorable for gathering in person.

That said, the situation is fluid, and we are hopeful that, as the vaccination campaign moves forward, and as temperatures rise with the changing of seasons, we might also be able to welcome participants in Geneva.

We are working closely with the University of Geneva to evaluate the evolvement of the situation, and to discuss the infrastructure to be put in place and measures that can be undertaken in order to keep the environment safe, if a gathering in person is possible. The health protection plan will then be discussed with the local medical office.

The decision on the in-person component of the conference will be based on the epidemiologic situation and consequent regulations issued by the Swiss government, the interest of prospective participants to physically attend the event, and an internal evaluation.

An update on the possibility of in-person participation will be provided in April.

We appreciate your understanding, and look forward to welcoming you to PASC21 – either online or in-person!

Sponsorships will support event format

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the organizations who already confirmed their sponsorship for PASC21. Their generous support will help us develop and strengthen our digitalization capabilities, as well as supporting the implementation of our health protection plan, should we be able to offer an in-person format as well.

Sponsorship packages available for PASC21

The Organizing Committee is pleased to invite additional organizations from industry and academia to take advantage of the sponsorship opportunities offered for the PASC21 Conference.

PASC21 offers a great opportunity for organizations to gain visibility at a national and international level and to network with key leaders in the fields of HPC simulation and data science.

The conference provides a global platform for participants from academia, research labs and industry to discuss the state-of-the-art in high performance computing simulation and data science. PASC21 brings together researchers from diverse scientific fields including chemistry, materials science, life sciences, physics, climate and weather, solid earth dynamics, engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, and emerging application domains. The conference builds on a successful history – with 430 attendees from 24 countries in 2019 – and continues to expand its program and international profile year on year.

Kindly contact the Organizing Committee at info@pasc-conference.org to secure your sponsorship package!

Event partnership: ISC High Performance

ISC High Performance will be held virtually from June 24 – July 2, and once again it will emerge as the largest community forum in Europe for HPC, ML and data analytics. The event will use a highly interactive platform this year to allow 3,500 attendees, exhibitors and speakers to engage in real time as closest as possible to a real-life experience. The event registration will open in April.

Attendees draw value from ISC by learning about new products and technologies, exchanging ideas with their peers, making new connections, and advancing their careers. At the same time, exhibitors will get access to an audience interested in finding the best solutions to their business and research challenges. More on isc-hpc.com.