US DOE Announces $30 Million Boost for High-Performance Computing at X-Ray and Neutron Facilities

The US Department of Energy's Office has approved funding $30 million for 5- year projects to seamlessly integrate high-performance computing with its cutting-edge X-ray and neutron light source facilities. 

The funded projects will tackle critical challenges at the intersection of HPC and light source facilities. Led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, CAMERA will develop algorithms, software, and real-time analysis tools optimized for next-generation scientific user facilities. This includes autonomous workflows and "edge computing" capabilities for near-instantaneous data processing at the source. 

Meanwhile, Argonne National Laboratory takes another critical project, focusing on crafting the technical framework for enhanced optimization, prediction, and experimentation. Machine learning algorithms lie at the heart of this endeavor, offering real-time data feedback and control, essentially putting experiments on autopilot. 

And to ensure these innovations reach the hands of researchers, the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center steps in. Their collaborative project oversees testing, deployment, and user training for prototypes emerging from all three initiatives. Think of them as bridge builders, fostering cross-collaboration and maximizing the impact of these game-changing tools. 

The announcement has drawn enthusiastic reactions from the scientific community, with researchers applauding the DOE's commitment to integrating HPC into its light source facilities. 

"Scientific research is increasingly reliant on complex data analysis and massive datasets," said Harriet Kung, DOE SC Deputy Director for Science Programs. "These projects will significantly enhance data analytics capabilities at our user facilities, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries."