In this installment of CCC’s Weekly Computing News, we are sharing the exciting announcement of a leader-class computing facility project from The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).
NSF announces groundbreaking Leadership-Class Computing Facility project
NSF is spearheading the construction of the Leadership-Class Computing Facility (LCCF) at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), UT Austin.
This cutting-edge facility, scheduled to commence operations in 2026, aims to revolutionize computational research across diverse scientific disciplines. At its core is Horizon, the largest academic supercomputer in NSF’s portfolio, designed to deliver significant performance enhancements. Compared to its predecessor, Frontera, Horizon promises a tenfold increase in simulation capabilities and an astounding hundredfold improvement for AI applications. Equipped with specialized accelerators and general-purpose processors, Horizon will cater to the evolving needs of scientific inquiry, from large-scale simulations to AI-driven discoveries.
Beyond hardware capabilities, LCCF will integrate extensive software and service suites to maximize utility across various research applications. Access to these resources will be open to scientists and engineers nationwide, facilitated through a transparent, peer-reviewed allocation process. Collaborative efforts with institutions like The Ohio State University and Cornell University will expand the facility’s reach, enhancing its impact on both scientific discovery and workforce development.
LCCF is positioned as a pivotal component of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR), an ambitious initiative by NSF and federal partners. NAIRR aims to establish a nationally accessible cyberinfrastructure to accelerate AI research and innovation across the United States.
By leveraging advanced computing resources and comprehensive service offerings, LCCF will play a crucial role in advancing AI research in fields spanning from fundamental science to applied engineering. This integrated approach not only reinforces the U.S.’s leadership in AI and computational research but also cultivates an environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries and technological innovation on a global scale.
Read NSF’s article here.
