Research IT

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Insights from International Supercomputing

Several Research IT and ITS team members recently attended the International Supercomputing Conference (ISC) in Hamburg, one of the world's leading events for high-performance computing (HPC), AI infrastructure, and advanced computing technologies.

ISC High Performance 2026 showcased the latest advancements in high-performance computing, AI infrastructure, and next-generation supercomputing technologies. There is so much breadth in this domain: apart from CPU and GPU technology, there is all the essential supporting infrastructure such as advanced storage and networking; power and cooling for data centres; all the enabling software stacks for cluster management; and the scientific applications that are at the sharp end of cutting-edge research.

It was fantastic to connect with researchers, industry leaders, and innovators who are driving the future of computational science and technology. The scale of innovation on display highlighted just how quickly the landscape is evolving and the exciting opportunities this creates for research-intensive universities.

One of the key outcomes for us was exploring new ideas and approaches for the University's future HPC environment. We came away with valuable insights into how emerging technologies could enhance our research computing capabilities, as well as opportunities to partner with some vendors who are pushing the boundaries of performance, sustainability, and AI-enabled research.

A particular highlight was attending the opening keynote talk and the TOP500 Supercomputer Awards. It was inspiring to meet the teams from around the world responsible for designing, building, and operating the most powerful computing platforms on the planet. Their achievements demonstrate the incredible collaboration and expertise required to advance scientific discovery through supercomputing.

The keynote was themed around building heterogeneous systems to really push HPC onwards: we’re going to need lots of different technology in the mix to be able to run increasingly complex research workflows, using the right tools for the right jobs.

This goes beyond CPUs and GPUs, encompassing Quantum and Neuromorphic computing as just two examples. Manchester achievements in Neuromorphic computing were highlighted, which was a particular thrill given Research IT’s involvement in that work in the Human Brain Project, building and running the SpiNNaker machine.

Events like ISC are a reminder of the crucial role digital infrastructure plays in enabling research and innovation. We’ll be back next year as we look to get UoM back on the international supercomputing map!

A photo of the 5 attendees from IT Services. A man with glasses, a beard and yellow shirt is taking a selfie of everyone, There are 3 men and 1 woman in the group. One man has dark hair and glasses, another is tall and bald wearing a white shirt. The other is blonde and is wearing a dark shirt and tailored shorts. The woman has long dark brown hair and is wearing long beige trousers and a white top.
ISC 2026 attendees
From left to right: Alex Goffe, Deputy Chief Information Officer; Robert Haines, Director of Research IT; Krista Robbie, Director of IT Service Operations; David Benko, Service Manager, Campus Technology Services; and George Leaver, Senior Systems Administrator, Research IT.