Summer 2011 Week 3: Future of the Field
July 30, 2011 to August 6, 2011
The Canyons Resort, 4000 Canyons Resort Drive, Park City, Utah
Organizing Committee
- Rick Stevens (Argonne National Laboratory)
- Fred Streitz (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)
- Andy White (Los Alamos National Laboratory)
Scientific Overview
In this workshop, the ICiS Steering Committee and a select group of participants will assess the state-of-the-art in scientific computing to identify the fields where there might be sufficient interest for a program in the coming years. The workshop report will serve as an “intellectual roadmap” for the Committee to use as they plan future activities. The success and eventual utility of this workshop depends critically on the selection and participation of its attendees. Invitees will be expected to broadly discuss advances across multiple disciplines and to debate the likelihood of possible futures, i.e., possess insight into where computing is going and some vision of how to get there.
The possibilities that will be explored during this year’s Future of the Field workshop include:
1. The specter of billion-way parallelism. We have seen parallel computing move from the initial steps with dozens and hundreds of nodes into extremes of the Blue Gene architecture (delivering 1.6M cores in 2012). The jump from 100,000 cores to 1M cores doesn’t seem so scary (or does it?) but multiplying cores (and associated errors, faults, communication, load balance, etc.) by a thousandfold is daunting. How (and for what) might we use such a machine?
2. The notion of probability computing. As machines become more probabilistic themselves, does it make sense to quit thinking of simulation as providing a distinct answer? Perhaps the most accurate information that can be gained from a large number of unreliable calculators is the characterization of a probability density function. Could we imagine, then, computing on the PDF itself? Is this a useful construct?
3. What else might happen? Every 15 years or so computing seems to reinvent itself: vectors begat killer micros begat massively parallel begat GPUs – where will we be in 2025?
A continuing theme of these discussions will be the general question of what a future computing environment might look like. What will the supporting infrastructure, (tools, compilers, visualizations, etc.) look like in the future that we’re exploring? How will a successful future computational scientist function? What lessons can we learn from current work habits?
Join us for a week of thought-provoking discussion. We expect that this workshop will be every bit as stimulating and unpredictable as last year's!
Location Details
On-site ICiS staff member: TBD
Please try to arrive on Saturday, July 30. The workshop program starts on Sunday morning, July 31, with a kick-off event. Please check back for an agenda. The workshop closes on Saturday, August 6, by noon.
Lodging
The Canyons resort is a fully staffed, full service resort. The ICiS Summer Institute block rate of $96 per night (plus tax and fees) for guest rooms (single occupancy) is guaranteed from Saturday, July 30 to August 6. If you wish to extend your stay beyond August 6 and are not a registered participant of the August 6-13 ICiS workshop, your nightly rate is subject to change. The ICiS group rate for a one-bedroom is $139 and a two-bedroom is $159.
Reservations may be made via the Resort Reservations Department at 888-CANYONS (226-9667). You must reference the group name (ICiS) to get the group rate. You will need to provide your credit card information to guarantee your reservation. May 1, 2011 is the deadline for lodging reservations.
You can reduce costs by sharing a room with another workshop participant. If you are interested in this option, contact us at <support@icis.anl.gov> and we will assist in pairing up individuals depending on space availability. You may choose to make your room sharing arrangements independent of us as well.
The Canyons (Silverado Lodge) provides complimentary high-speed wireless Internet in all guest rooms, public areas, and function spaces. Other amenities include: use of lodge fitness center, heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and underground heated parking. There are several restaurants located within walking distance. There is also a complimentary shuttle service within the resort. Contact the front desk agent to make arrangements for this service.
Daycare at The Canyons
Little Adventures Daycare is a state licensed day care facility and cares for 6 weeks to 6 years of age. Private babysitting services are also available. http://thecanyons.com/kids_corner.html
Shuttle Service (All Resort Express Airport Shuttle)
A 40-minute direct shuttle between the airport and The Canyons is $37 +tip for a one-way shared ride (specify shared ride when making reservation), and leaves every 20 minutes regardless of number of shares. This amount doubles for shuttle service between 11PM and 7AM. For a private ride the cost is $150 + tip and up, one-way. All shuttle service arrangements must be pre-arranged via the toll-free reservations line at 1-877-658-3999 no later than 48 hours prior to your arrival. You will be asked to provide your flight information. 48 hours notice is required for all cancellations.
The check-in counter is located at the ground transportation counter adjacent to the baggage claim area at Salt Lake International Airport. http://www.allresort.com/
Rental Car
The following car rental companies have counters in Salt Lake City International Airport: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, and Thrifty. Make your reservations via the company website or via a travel engine like Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, or Orbitz.com.
· Parking is free at The Canyons Silverado Lodge.
· Park City has a free local transit system.
