Joint Labs

SMHB aims to analyze the multilevel organization of the human brain with advanced approaches for data analytics, simulations, data science, and visualization using workflows employing HPC (High Performance Computing). Scientific use cases do not only allow to get new insights into brain complexity, but also drive the technological development of future computing, including neuromorphic and modular high-performance supercomputing.

HPC is prerequisite for large simulations of brain networks as well as at molecular level. HPC-based workflows are being created to address ultrahigh resolution brain models down to single cell and single axon level. Machine/deep learning is being developed and applied for high-throughput analysis of large image data sets. Joining forces of Programs 1 and 2 via method- and concept-oriented cross-linking is basis for leveraging synergy for excellent research, and creating impact in the national and international research community.

Speaker of the Joint Lab: Katrin Amunts (FZJ)

Please read more on the SMHB website

Acceleration of materials development is crucial for technological advancements in fields as diverse as energy supply, environmental protection, information technology, or medicine and health. We develop new materials properties screening approaches and of the corresponding high-performance and high-throughput calculations in order to achieve information-guided design and synthesis automation. Another research focus is providing digital twins for materials, components, and devices.

Furthermore, we will develop a virtual research environment which makes accessible all cross-scale simulation methods and digital twins developed by the above-mentioned activities. This platform will enable end-users to systematically apply information-driven methods in product development in novel application areas in order to reduce R&D expenses and the product cycle.

Speaker of the Joint Lab: Wolfgang Wenzel (KIT)

For more information, please visit the following websites:

• https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/pgi/pgi-1/forschung/joint-lab-vmd

• https://www.materials.kit.edu/298.php

• https://www.hereon.de/central_units/joint_lab_materials_design/index.php.de

The information driven design of tailored functional materials depends critically on the use of computational models, which in turn require reliable input from experimental measurements of the structures and properties of the materials, including their operando behaviour and response to external stimuli. It also requires the effective handling and management of data from both measurements and simulations following the FAIR data principles.

A key element of the JL MDMC will be the development and validation of a generic and comprehensive workflow that links complementary multiscale experimental techniques for materials characterization with a powerful data and information platform. This will form a basis for understanding the structure and behavior of complex material systems and their functions. The Joint Lab MDMC will create an experimental methodology platform for material characterisation, as well as a data and information platform that can be used to provide input from multiscale and correlative characterisation techniques for computational modelling of the structures and behaviours of complex materials systems.

Speaker of the Joint Lab: Rafal E. Dunin-Borkowski (FZJ)

Please read more on the  MDMC website

The JL-ExaESM enables exascale simulations and develops workflow and data concepts in order to achieve breakthroughs in the simulation of regional to global climate change, extreme events, and impacts on society and ecosystems. The lab leverages co-design between computer scientists and domain scientists to address the scientific and methodological challenges of Earth system science using simulation and data analytics methods that exploit the advanced technological capabilities of future supercomputers.

By adopting modern IT concepts, the accuracy and flexibility of Earth system models will be increased while time-to-solution and resource consumption are significantly reduced. The lab provides a much-needed platform that bridges the RF's Information, Earth and Environment, and Aeronautics, Space and Transport and allows scientists from different domains to jointly develop scientific and technological concepts for next-generation Earth system models and data analytics systems.

Speaker of the Joint Lab: Lars Hoffmann (FZJ) & Jörg Meyer (KIT) 

Please read more on the ExaESM website

Scientific software is becoming increasingly important for the success of research and to generate new knowledge. However, the importance of codes for science has not yet been recognized at the national level. Also, the evaluation measures for research are not set in a way that would support sustainable work on scientific software. The situation is further complicated as the methods of conventional software engineering addressing an industrial context cannot be transferred one to one to scientific software. Therefore, Research Software Engineering (RSE) is forming as a new subject of investigation, in Europe, Germany and the Helmholtz Association.

In this context, the HiRSE concept (“Helmholtz Platform for Research Software Engineering”) sees the establishment of central activities in RSE and the targeted sustainable funding of strategically important codes by so-called Community Software Infrastructure (CSI) groups as mutually supportive aspects of a single entity.

In a first “preparatory study”, HiRSE_PS evaluated the core elements of the HiRSE concept and their interactions in practice over the funding period of three years. One work package dealt with the operation of CSI groups, in particular also for young codes, and a second one with consulting and networking. The goal of the preparatory study was the further refinement of the concept, which can then be rolled out to the entire Helmholtz Information, or, if desired, to the entire Helmholtz Association with high prospects of success and high efficiency. As of October 2024, HiRSE is now the (flexible) Joint Lab “Helmholtz Information - Research Software Engineering”, with an extended funded period until the end of 2027.

This project is funded by the Innovation Fund of Helmholtz Information of the Helmholtz Association as well as by the four participating partners.

Speakers of the Joint Lab: Markus Diesmann (FZJ) & Achim Streit (KIT)

Please read more on the HiRSE website