How exascale computers accelerate scientific discovery
Talk given at TEDxChicago 2024
Chicago, September 27th, 2024
Michael E. Papka
Science Enabler
About the Talk
What if the key to solving humanity’s greatest challenges—from curing diseases to understanding the universe—was a machine capable of a quintillion calculations per second?
Meet Aurora, the supercomputer changing the game for science. In this TEDxChicago talk, Michael Papka takes us on a journey into the world of supercomputing and the extraordinary power of collaboration. From outpacing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to predicting the path of catastrophic hurricanes, today’s challenges demand solutions at unprecedented speeds. That’s where Aurora comes in—a groundbreaking exascale supercomputer that can process data faster than ever imagined. But it’s not just about speed. Aurora is an open science machine, designed to share discoveries and accelerate breakthroughs in biology, cosmology, neuroscience, and more.
Source: TEDxChicago
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About Michael
Michael E. Papka, the Director of the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility at Argonne National Laboratory and Professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois Chicago, is engineering a new future for enabling data-based insights. He oversees the development and deployment of Aurora, one of the world's first exascale supercomputers. While typical computers perform billions of calculations per second, Aurora can perform more than a quintillion calculations per second. With this “supercomputer power”, he and his team are pushing the boundaries of what we can learn from vast amounts of data. These insights can help us advance innovation within the fields of human health, material science, climate research, and more.
With three decades of experience, Michael constructs and strategically guides massive computing infrastructures and trains and mentors the next generation of data scientists. He specializes in high-performance computing, data visualization, and integrating research infrastructure, using these tools to ask bold questions and forge new pathways to discovery. He is dedicated to a future where supercomputers profoundly enhance humanity’s understanding of the universe as well as help societies work together to address critical real-world challenges.
Source: TEDxChicago
TEDxChicago 2024
TEDxChicago is Chicago’s biggest stage for ideas + connection at the convergence of our culture, innovation, and democracy. Rooted in the vibrant and dynamic city of Chicago, a hub of innovation, culture, and resilience, TEDxChicago celebrates the city’s unique spirit and its history of fostering groundbreaking ideas and movements. Our event serves as a beacon of hope and progress, reflecting Chicago's legacy as a place where visionaries and change-makers converge to make a difference. As we gather in this great city, we honor those who are Lighting the Way toward a brighter tomorrow, both on the stage and among all of you. Join us at TEDxChicago 2024: Lighting the Way in this extraordinary journey of discovery, where the power of ideas will illuminate our path and inspire us all to become leaders in our own right.
Source: TEDxChicago
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Dustin Huibregtse
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