This July, Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara hosted the EUMaster4HPC Summer School 2025. For two weeks, from 14 to 25 July, EUMaster4HPC students and a few selected external students came together to explore High Performance Computing and its use in research and Industry aimed at solving real-world challenges. It was intense, sometimes challenging, but also a lot of fun.

Lectures,labs, and real-world challenges

The programme was full of lectures, workshops and discussions that covered a surprisingly wide range of topics. Climate and ocean modelling, computational fluid dynamics, AI on GPUs, quantum computing, even applications in finance, law, and manufacturing.

It wasn’t just theory either. The whole idea was to see how HPC is applied to real problems. Professors shared their research, companies showed how they actually use HPC, and students got plenty of hands-on time. MathWorks also ran engaging and much-anticipated workshops on parallel programming and AI with MATLAB, giving participants a more hands-on, practical perspective.

More than just lecture

Of course, it wasn’t just about sitting in classrooms. Students also got to explore parts of METU’s campus, including the Design Factory—METU’s R&D center focused on interdisciplinary work and collaboration—and the Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory at METUWIND / RÜZGEM, with its wind tunnel facilities. Those visits gave a nice sense of how research and computation connect with physical testing.

The social side was just as memorable. During the weekend trip to Cappadocia, students visited the Ihlara Valley, explored Kaymakli Underground City, and even learnt about pottery-making from local artisans. The early risers were rewarded with the sight of hot-air balloons lifting off at sunrise, filling the sky above the beautiful rocky landscapes.

Life at the Summer School

What really made the school special was the mix of students—coming from different countries and backgrounds, each bringing their own experiences and perspectives. Conversations during coffee breaks or over lunch often went in unexpected directions, which was part of the charm.

METU itself is impressive—the campus is huge, with forested areas, modern labs, and plenty of space to wander. It almost feels like a small city of its own, the perfect setting for two weeks of learning, exploring, and just taking it all in.

Wrapping up

Looking back, the summer school wasn’t just about HPC skills. It was also about connections, new ideas, and simply experiencing something different together. Students left with more than they arrived with – not only technically, but also personally.

For sure, the EUMaster4HPC Summer School 2025 at METU will stay in their memories for quite a while.