Lighthouse Codes for HPC Applications

This call builds upon and complements HORIZON-EUROHPC-JU-2023-COE-03-01 and HORIZON-EUROHPC-JU-2023-COE-01-01 and should associate where relevant with the following actions: HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-COE-LH-01-01 and HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-COE-LH-01-02.

Proposals should specify and describe the Lighthouse Code in detail. In this regard, communities are invited to present proposals which consolidate efforts dedicated, e. g. to multiple domain science codes, into one common Lighthouse Code.

Proposals clearly identify and describe the Lighthouse Code(s) to be developed or consolidated which must either already exist or, in exceptional and well-justified cases, be a state-of-the-art reimplementation of functionality of existing code. Each proposal may include only one Lighthouse Code. If an entirely new Lighthouse Code is proposed, it must be based on existing applications with high impact, for example in science and technology, and demonstrate a credible potential to meet the Lighthouse Code criteria within the project’s duration.

Proposals should focus on the development, consolidation, or expansion of a Lighthouse Code with clearly demonstrated scientific, technical, or societal impact. A robust software development plan, including a well-defined scope, timeline, and sustainability strategy, should be central to the proposal.

Proposals should focus on at least one of the following activities, with clear, measurable KPIs and a detailed software development plan including regular milestones for all development lines:

• Code Development & Optimization: rewrite, transform or consolidate multiple codes with existing large user communities and high scientific impact into one, potentially new Lighthouse Code

• consolidate, or integrate multiple high-impact codes to improve performance, usability, and sustainability within the HPC ecosystem.

• Feature Enhancement: Implement new functionalities in an existing Lighthouse Code to extend its capabilities and improve usability.

• Architecture Adaptation: Port Lighthouse Codes to new HPC architectures, including novel accelerator-based platforms.

• Exascale/ AI Readiness: Implement post-exascale/ Advance AI capabilities, improving scalability and efficiency.

Additional requirements:

• Consortia should include a balanced composition of partners, integrating HPC specialists and domain experts with relevant expertise.

• Maximize impact through collaboration, establishing strong links with other actions supported under this call.

• Commitment towards the sustainability of the codes beyond the grant period which should be demonstrated by a letter of commitment from a participating legal entity that will provide stewardship for the Lighthouse Code.

• The participation of entities in the private sector is strongly encouraged, provided alignment with central business objectives is clearly demonstrated.

• Proposals should describe in detail how the software development process will be streamlined and managed, including all relevant IT tools e. g. for code and documentation management, test automation, quality assurance, continuous integration, continuous delivery, issue trackers, user feedback and monitoring dashboards. Applicants are encouraged to use best practice and automated workflows where appropriate to reduce administrative overhead and improve continuous reporting effort towards EuroHPC.

• Proposals should define and describe a mechanism how the specific developments resulting from the proposed work can be identified in the code.

• While deviations are permissible if adequately justified, proposals should generally allocate at least 12 person months of resources for portfolio activities. The portfolio activities, which refer to collaboration tasks with relevant initiatives under the same call, will be defined after the evaluation and implemented through a dedicated work package or task in the final Grant Agreement.

• While deviations are permissible if adequately justified, the overall resources allocated to non-technical work, such as project management, coordination, dissemination should generally not exceed 2% of the overall personnel resources. All participants are expected to contribute substantially (at least 5% of the total personnel resources) to the technical work and take responsibility for associated tasks and deliverables.