High Performance Computing (HPC) finds itself at a transformative crossroads as the global scientific and technological community anticipates ISC 2025, the 40th edition of one of the most prominent events in the field. Scheduled from June 10 to June 13 in Hamburg, Germany, ISC 2025 embodies more than just a conference; it represents a milestone that honors four decades of relentless progress and innovation in HPC while setting the stage for the future trajectories shaping computational science. Under the resonant theme of “Connecting the Dots,” this gathering promises a rich confluence of researchers, engineers, industry experts, users, and enthusiasts dedicated to exploring how HPC continues to influence and evolve in concert with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.
The legacy of ISC as a forum for HPC research and collaboration cannot be overstated. Over its 40-year history, it has evolved into a critical platform where state-of-the-art discoveries are shared, novel ideas debated, and partnerships forged—ultimately propelling HPC development forward. The swelling registration numbers, exceeding 3,100 attendees shortly before the event and expected to surpass last year’s record of 3,400 participants, underscore the growing excitement and increasing relevance of HPC as it interlaces ever more deeply with adjacent domains. AI, data analytics, and quantum computing are no longer peripheral; they are integral threads woven into the HPC tapestry.
The conference’s chosen theme, “Connecting the Dots,” eloquently captures the vision driving ISC 2025. This year’s event aims to dissolve traditional silos between various HPC-related disciplines, promoting integration and synergy among them. Historically, HPC has thrived on well-established domains such as large-scale simulation and high-performance modeling. However, the landscape is rapidly changing as generative AI, quantum computing, and advanced algorithmic developments push the boundaries of what computational science can accomplish. Professor Torsten Hoefler, the program chair and a leading figure in computational science at ETH Zurich, refers to ISC 2025 as the “year of extreme scaling.” This reflects not only the growth in computational hardware—larger, faster machines—but also the increasing sophistication of algorithms and systems architecture that elevate HPC’s problem-solving capabilities. The blend of these advancements translates into more powerful, nuanced tools for modeling complex phenomena, accelerating scientific discovery, and solving industrial challenges.
A broad and inclusive community is central to ISC’s continued relevance. The conference is a vibrant marketplace of ideas where early-career researchers mingle and learn from seasoned veterans. This dynamic mix fosters fresh perspectives while benefitting from decades of experience, creating an environment where HPC challenges are tackled innovatively and effectively. The conference agenda is a tightly woven fabric covering a range of topics—from cutting-edge HPC architectures and the integration of AI into scientific workflows to pioneering strides in quantum information systems and considerations of reproducibility and efficiency in computational simulations. Attendees gain a comprehensive view of HPC’s reinvention, seeing firsthand how the field is gearing up to address grand challenges across science, engineering, and industry.
One of ISC 2025’s defining features is its deliberate and robust integration of AI and quantum computing within the traditional HPC framework. The emergence of large language models, agent-based systems, and sophisticated reasoning frameworks has introduced a paradigm shift in computational approaches to problem-solving. This shift demands new hardware-software co-designs, novel performance models, and optimization strategies to bridge the gaps between AI capabilities and HPC infrastructure. Rather than functioning as isolated specialties, AI and HPC increasingly operate in tandem, creating a synergy that drives innovation and expands computational frontiers.
Quantum computing, still in its nascent stages, is another frontier pushing HPC into uncharted territories. Its promise to transform problem-solving in areas such as material science, cryptography, and complex systems simulation generates keen interest and active exploration within the HPC community. ISC dedicates sessions to quantum algorithms and hardware advancements, allowing participants to engage deeply with this cutting-edge field. The conversation often centers on hybrid architectures that integrate quantum and classical HPC resources, prefiguring computational platforms capable of handling tasks previously thought impossible or tremendously resource-intensive.
Beyond technologies and innovations, ISC 2025 exemplifies a strong, resilient community unified by shared goals. Celebrating four decades of continuous collaboration and breakthroughs, the event is as much about fostering a spirit of continuity and innovation as it is about showcasing the latest scientific advancements. Attendees from academia, industry, and government sectors converge not only to present and absorb new knowledge but also to forge partnerships that will sustain HPC’s momentum. HPC’s critical role as the backbone of scientific discovery and technological progress worldwide is reaffirmed, echoing throughout discussions and networking sessions.
Looking toward the future, ISC is committed to sustaining its mission of connecting disciplines, sectors, and continents. The growing attendance and heightened participation from AI and quantum computing specialists reveal an increasingly integrated HPC ecosystem, a necessity for tackling some of society’s most urgent problems. Whether modeling climate systems, forecasting pandemics, or innovating next-generation energy solutions, HPC’s ability to interlink expertise from diverse fields is vital. The conference serves as a crucible where these collaborative efforts are ignited.
In summary, ISC 2025 is not just a reflection of HPC’s storied past but a powerful indicator of its evolving future. It highlights a field simultaneously maturing and transforming, embracing revolutionary technologies, and fostering an engaged, multidisciplinary community. Participants leaving Hamburg will carry more than new technical insights; they will carry the strengthened connections and collaborative spirit essential for driving the next wave of computational breakthroughs. This event solidifies HPC’s pivotal place in the future of computational science and engineering, underscoring the promise and power of collective innovation.
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