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CORDIS

European Master for High Performance Computing

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EUMaster4HPC (European Master for High Performance Computing)

Berichtszeitraum: 2022-01-01 bis 2023-06-30

The EUMaster4HPC project brings together major players in HPC education across Europe and mobilises them to build a pan-European master curriculum in HPC in response to the call “Training and Education on High Performance Computing (H2020-JTI-EuroHPC-2020-03)

To drive digital transformation in Europe and ensure the sustainability of high-priority economic sectors, the availability of HPC experts is key and it requires the training of highly skilled and talented graduate students. The EUMaster4HPC is advancing education and training in HPC and HPC-related technologies in Europe with the support of its collaborative network composed of European universities, research/supercomputing centres and industrial partners

The overall objectives are:
- Design a common EU MSc curriculum in HPC
- Implement a pilot program
- Develop and share new educational content, materials and methodologies in HPC
- Increase HPC-adoption by industry
- Design and put specific collaboration mechanisms in place
- Create a sustainable network of different stakeholders
- Ensure sustainability of the master beyond the two cohorts and financial continuity

Figure 1 shows the EUMaster4HPC consortium members working towards the successful accomplishment of the project objectives.
Below is a list of the work performed during the period covered by the report per work package:

WP1
* Management, coordination, and controlling
- Setup of Executive and Advisory boards
- Definition and signature of the Consortium Agreement based on Desca Model
- Transfer of project’s budget to the beneficiaries
- Launch of an online collaborative work platform
- Setup of monitoring and controlling mechanisms to ensure project progress
- Establishment of all WP 1 deliverables
- Follow up of project deliverables of all WPs
- Organization of annual project meetings and coordination meetings
- Weekly coordination meetings by the project management team at the Uni.lu.
- Organization of the Kick-off meeting and executive board meeting
- Organization of monthly meetings with WP leaders and awarding universities
- Definition of the Quality Management Plan

* Communication & Dissemination
- Setup of working groups for different target audiences
- Awareness creation startegy
- Development and implementation of a communication and dissemination strategy
- Identity brand book
- Online advertisement
- Project website
- Master Portal
- Communication and dissemination plan
- Social media campaign
- Videos
- Press release
- Creation of tailored messages, including addressing gender bias
- Participation in key field events and recruitment activities

* Student Recruitment
- Targeted information dissemination to prospective students and partner universities
- Information sessions, study program platforms, and network engagement
- Printed material
- Personalized communication materials to partner universities.

WP2 Curriculum definition
- Analysis and job market evaluation
- Definition of the teaching modules and learning outcomes corresponding to the required skills
- Analysis of current and upcoming job markets for academia and industry
- Definition of required job profiles and skills in the future European HPC labor market
- Organization of General Workshops

WP3 Teaching materials and paradigms
- Call for proposals’ preparation and launching for teaching materials (MOOC)
- Determination of MOOC structure and integration in the program
- Definition of innovative teaching paradigms and collection of existing teaching methods

WP4 Implementation of the pilot Msc programme
- Student admissions and management strategy
- Organization of application process and selection committees
- Defined objective admission criteria and diversity strategies
- Launch of the first cohort in 5 universities
- Student program management, dual diploma creation, and mobility organization

WP5 Mobility of students
- Organization of workshops, summer school, and internship opportunities
- Supervision of the first EUMaster4HPC Summer School and mobility paths

WP6 recommendations and Roadmap
- Activities will start in the project's second year, focusing on curriculum updates, sustainability plans, roadmap development, and awareness activities. This includes connecting established courses under EUMaster4HPC with HPC courses in universities across Europe.

All the work done mentioned above demonstrate the progress and commitment of the EUMaster4HPC project in developing a comprehensive European master's program in HPC.
The pilot project EUMaster4HPC represents a significant milestone in establishing a robust and fully functional European network of education in HPC. It encompasses a meticulously designed curriculum, complemented by a structured mobility program, university collaborations, and strategically crafted industry and research partnerships.

The strengths of EUMaster4HPC lie in its adaptable study programme which is designed to become and remain a solid cornerstone of European HPC excellence. Priority in the alignment of educational efforts across institutions and partners is crucial to ensure that the program remains at the forefront of innovation and continues to drive progress in High-Performance Computing "in the European landscape.The European Master Curriculum in HPC is tailored to the needs of both industry and research, and foster strong ties within the European HPC ecosystem. Graduates will emerge as skilled problem-solvers, driving progress in diverse domains for economical and societal benefit.

The EUMaster4HPC programme plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of Europe. It contributes to job creation and economic growth by producing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of HPC companies and institutions. Industry stakeholders actively engage with the program by providing internships and challenges, preparing students for employment opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of the European industry.
Moreover, the programme fosters technological innovation and industry advancement. EUMaster4HPC promotes technological innovation by providing a platform for research and collaboration among the students, academic institutions and industry partners. Moreover, through practical experiences gained from internships and industry challenges, students stay updated with the latest advancements in HPC. Industry engagement in EUMaster4HPC is essential for producing well-prepared experts, bridging theory and real-world applications to drive innovation and boost efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness across Europe.

The EUMaster4HPC program has a profound impact on society. Students engage in cutting-edge projects that drive breakthroughs in medical research, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. They gain access to supercomputers, developing expertise that promotes innovation and inclusivity in addressing societal challenges. The program fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange among teachers, industry professionals, and students, establishing a European network. Industry partners provide internships and challenges, enabling students to gain practical experience and meet industry requirements. Overall, the program advances science, technology, and industry while promoting diversity, sustainability, and ethical considerations.
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