The EUMaster4HPC Summer School HPC in Data Science took place from 18 to 24 August 2024 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, and was a great success. Hosted by the IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Centre at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, the event brought together the second cohort of EUMaster4HPC students alongside a select group of external participants. This collaboration created a dynamic atmosphere for learning, cooperation, and innovation in High-Performance Computing and Data Science.

A Productive Week of Learning and Collaboration

Throughout the week, the EUMaster4HPC Summer School 2024 delivered an engaging programme filled with hands-on workshops, coding challenges, and expert-led sessions. As a result, these activities equipped participants with essential skills and practical insights into HPC technologies applied to data science.

Highlights of the week included:

Hands-On Experience with HPC Clusters
On the first day, participants got the opportunity visit the Karolina Supercomputer, where participants explored its advanced capabilities. Following this, they learned how to log in and submit computational jobs the next day. This experience deepened their understanding of HPC operations and real-world applications.

EUMaster4HPC Students Challenge Results
During the event, speakers announced the results of the 2023-2024 Students Challenge, developed by Codasip, which showcased the work of the programme’s first cohort. This celebration of innovative approaches to the Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) algorithm highlighted the technical skills and creativity of the second cohort’s peers, reflecting the collaborative spirit that defines the EUMaster4HPC community.

In-Depth Exploration of Data Science
The Summer School introduced foundational concepts in Machine Learning and Deep Learning, alongside practical programming sessions in R and Python. In the MATLAB session, students explored code optimisation, parallel processing, and GPU computing. Through hands-on MATLAB projects, they were introduced to additional functionalities for large-scale HPC, Deep Learning, Image Processing, and Signal Analysis, which received enthusiastic feedback from participants.

Fostering Community and Networking
To build community, the Summer School also hosted various social events. These included a Welcome Party, a guided tour to the Planetarium, an excursion to the picturesque Beskydy Mountains, and many team building activities. Consequently, these gatherings fostered networking and strengthened bonds among participants, reinforcing the initiative’s sense of community.

Looking Forward: Continuing the Momentum

As participants conclude the Summer School, they carry forward valuable skills and insights. Ultimately, these skills will enable them to tackle complex challenges in HPC and data science. This collaborative experience, therefore, nurtures a new generation of experts ready to contribute to academia and industry.

Acknowledgements

A heartfelt thank you is extended to the IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Centre, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, Vienna Scientific Cluster, MathWorks, and all the expert lecturers whose invaluable contributions made this event possible. Special recognition is also due to the organising team and dedicated participants, whose enthusiasm and commitment transformed this event into a remarkable experience.

The EUMaster4HPC Summer School has not only equipped participants with cutting-edge knowledge but also inspired them to harness the potential of HPC and data science in their future endeavours.

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