ICOSCIS
ICoSCIS Intrudaction
Simulations in science are nowadays considered an integral part of research methodology. Natural Sciences have long used them to replace costly experiments and repetitive problems. Today, even fields such as Economics and Social Sciences rely on computers to study problems with huge datasets. Foreseeing the increase of computing needs, EU has implemented actions resulting in the creation of the European Grid Initiative (EGI). Unfortunately, several less developed regions like Southern Bulgaria were left out of the effort to both build a Grid Computing cluster and receive the know-how on its use. To correct this mishap we will build a network of four partners, the Department of Physics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the South-West University (SWU), the Department of Economics of the University of Macedonia (UoM) and the Department of Computer Science of the American University of Blagoevgrad (AUBG). Our primary goal will be to introduce a core group of Bulgarian scientists to advanced computational methods. Our project will also focus on the transfer of knowledge on complex science methods (AUTh) and their application in other sciences, such as Economics (UoM). Experience and know-how on scientific computing and parallel algorithms will be passed on through a series of educational, scientific exchange, activities. To adapt such techniques on problems relative to the interests of SWU and AUBG we will form a joint bilateral supervising committee (JBSC). Additionally, to achieve our goal, we will create two Grid computing clusters based on AUTh and SWU, tailored to each partners needs. We will take steps towards the integration of this facility in EGI. JBSC, will form teams of SWU and AUBG scientists that represent in the best possible way both their departments and research interests. We will emphasize on the ability of trainees to act as student educators themselves.
Objectives, outputs and results
| Objectives |
| Cover the specific demand for large scale computing in S. Bulgaria |
| Implement a basic computing cluster infrastructure in both sides |
| The SWU cluster focus on CPU power and adequate memory |
| Knowledge to be transferred between the partners |
| Select team SWU and AUBG familiarize with HPC and Grid |
| Trainning network – series of courses on Complex Science |
| Expected Outputs |
| Introductory seminar to publicize within SWU and AUBG |
| Side event during an International School in Complex Science |
| Hands-on e-courses |
| Upgrade the knowledge of technical and teaching staff |
| Networking session (High-tech IT companies, financial organizations and consultancy groups) |
| Implementation of the two Grid clusters |
| Expected Results |
| Enhance the furture scientific output in the region by a large degree |
| Inter-institutional callaborations |
| Interdisciplinary between departments |
| Equal opportunities (not discriminate on sex, physical health, or ethnicity) |
| Fair competition for all ( public announcements for the procurements of the two computing clusters) |
| Produce results with greater impact – build the foundations for a long standing regional development |
Workpackages
The project ICoSCIS consists of five(5) workpackages
- Workpackage 1: Management & Coordination
- Workpackage 2 : Information & Publicity
- Workpackage 3 : The Infrastructure
- Workpackage 4 : Educational activities I (Complex Science)
- Workpackage 5 : Educational activities II (programming & Grid computing)
Actions
| Actions | Actions title | Partner in charge |
| WP1 | Management & Coordination | |
| Action 1.1 | Project kick off meeting | AUTH |
| Action 1.2 | Project Coordination meetings | AUTH/UoM |
| Action 1.3 | Project Management | AUTH/UoM |
| WP2 | Information & Publicity | |
| Action 2.1 | Pablicity Seminar | SWU |
| Action 2.2 | Information leaflets and posters | AUBG/SWU |
| Action 2.3 | Website creation and maintenance | AUBG/AUTH |
| Action 2.4 | Research-enterperneurship interaction workshop | UoM |
| WP3 | The infrastructure | |
| Action 3.1 | Focused needs study and hardware procurement | AUTH |
| Action 3.2 | SWU facility preparation | SWU/AUTH |
| Action 3.3 | Installation and testing of software | AUTH/AUBG |
| Action 3.4 | Grid administration | AUTH |
| Action 3.5 | Grid computing user support | AUBG |
| WP4 | Educational activities I (Complex Science) | |
| Action 4.1 | Courses Preparatory activities | AUTH |
| Action 4.2 | Courses on Complex Science for staff | UoM |
| Action 4.3 | Courses on Complex Science for students | SWU |
| Action 4.4 | Website related educational activities | UoM |
| WP5 | Educational activities II (programming & Grid computing) | |
| Action 5.1 | Courses Preparatory activities | AUBG/AUTH |
| Action 5.2 | Programming courses | AUBG |
| Action 5.3 | Mid level programming courses | AUBG |
| Action 5.4 | Scientific Computing courses | AUTH |