In a significant stride towards advancing high-performance computing accessibility, the University of Arkansas Medical System (UAMS) in Little Rock has become the site for the final node installation in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) GP-ENGINE project. The initiative, jointly sponsored by the NSF, the University of Missouri, and the Great Plains Network (GPN), aims to bolster the supercomputing grid infrastructure across the Midwest, with the final addition poised to serve central Arkansas.
The GP-ENGINE project, short for Great Plains “Extended Network of GPUs for Interactive Experimenters,” is a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing research capabilities and accelerating scientific discoveries through state-of-the-art computing resources. By strategically situating nodes throughout the Midwest, the project aims to democratize access to high-performance computing (HPC) resources that enable artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) workloads, particularly in underserved areas.
According to Lawrence Tarbox, UAMS Director of High-Performance Computing, the decision to house the final node at UAMS signifies a pivotal moment for both the institution and the broader research community in Arkansas. “With this installation,” said Dr. Tarbox, “UAMS will
further enhance its role as a hub for cutting-edge computational research, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation across various fields.”
Elon Turner, the Executive Director of the Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network, was enthusiastic about the state’s pivotal role in the project. “We are honored to be selected as host sites for these research and education-enabling resources in the GP-ENGINE project, directly available to those connected to the ARE-ON network.”
Bobby Clark, Network Engineer for ARE-ON, completes the testing of the GP-ENGINE node.
In addition to UAMS, a node was placed at the main University of Arkansas campus in northwest Arkansas. The installation of the final node at UAMS holds immense promise for central Arkansas, as it will significantly enhance the region’s research capabilities and technological infrastructure. Researchers, scientists, and educators across disciplines will gain access to unparalleled computational power, enabling them to tackle complex challenges and push the boundaries of knowledge.
Moreover, the expansion of the NSF-sponsored supercomputing grid into central Arkansas underscores the critical role of HPC in driving economic growth and innovation. By providing researchers with the tools and resources needed to conduct cutting-edge research, the GP-ENGINE project fosters a conducive environment for scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements.
According to Grant Scott, the GP-ENGINE project director, the impact of the project advances the adoption of advanced computing and data resources in the Great Plains Network region. The AI/ML compute nodes housed at UAMS and eight other sites in six states hold the promise of accelerating research efforts aimed at addressing pressing scientific issues and improving quality of life.
As the final node installation progresses at UAMS, stakeholders anticipate a transformative shift in the research landscape of central Arkansas. The convergence of advanced computing technology and interdisciplinary collaboration sets the stage for groundbreaking discoveries and innovations, positioning the region as a powerhouse of scientific inquiry and technological advancement.
The completion of the GP-ENGINE node deployments marks a significant milestone in the quest to democratize access to high-performance computing resources and foster a culture of innovation across the Midwest. With UAMS and ARE-ON at the forefront of this endeavor, both Arkansas and the Great Plains Network are poised to emerge as a dynamic hub for research, discovery, and technological innovation in the years to come.
From left to right: GPN Executive Director, Mickey Slimp; Bobby Clark, Network
Engineer for ARE-ON, and Grant Scott, GP-ENGINE Primary Investigator and
Associate Professor at the University of Missouri
For more information about GP-ENGINE contact:
Mickey Slimp, Great Plains Network, 903-571-0892 (cell)