Pushing the boundaries.

In this issue of the magazine, we take a look at how technical computing is influencing scientific breakthroughs. Large European HPC systems were used to process data that created the first image of a black hole earlier this year - while, in the laboratory, computing technology is accelerating the treatment of infectious diseases.

On page 4 there is a report from the ISC High-Performance conference, which took place in June. This conference showcased new technologies and a packed schedule of technical presentations and keynote speeches. The tech focus for this issue, which can be found on page 6, looks at the use of cloud technology and the benefits of developing a hybrid or public cloud infrastructure.

Scientific breakthroughs, and the use of FPGA technology to overcome new challenges in developing compression algorithms and autonomous vehicles systems, are the focus on page 8. This feature looks at the use of new technologies to overcome the barriers to research. On page 12 there is an interview with Lee Margetts, a member of the PRACE Industrial Advisory Committee, who highlights changes to the way the organisation will be awarding time to industrial HPC projects.

On page 16 Sophia Ktoria looks at the way laboratory software can be used to control and maximise the efficiency of data. Clare Sansom explores the use of computing in the treatment of infectious diseases on page 20, noting that researchers must work together to overcome the challenges of endemic and epidemic disease. On page 24, Gemma Church explains how modelling and simulation is driving the oil and gas industry to make better decisions.

Robert Roe

Editor

@scwmagazine