Super Computers - Senate testimony: High Performance Computing

Senate Hearings on High Performance Computing
NEVILLE's NOTE: Read section in S2802 (link in Irving's post) on National Math and Science Day in Schools- there's a merchandizing oppotunity here -!

Last month, the Subcommittee on Technology, Innovation and Competitiveness of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held hearings on high-performance computing.

See the July posting and the comments of Irving Wladawsky-Berger
http://irvingwb.typepad.com
intro:
"I had the honor to be one of the witnesses that testified before the Subcommittee and its chairman Senator John Ensign. I submitted my written testimony in advance, which I then summarized during the actual hearings and answered questions along with the other panelists.

I said that supercomputing was essential for innovation in the worlds of science and commerce, most of all because of its applications, including defense, energy, health care, science and engineering. It is thus very important that the Federal Government support basic research in supercomputing, especially pilots to develop working systems in applications that are key to national security, competitiveness and innovation.

......
And the remarks conclude:
"""My formal testimony reviews the progress and promise of some key applications. There is enormous promise, both in classic, more “mature” supercomputing applications like defense and national security, science, engineering, and weather and climate; and in the newer application areas like energy, health care and bioinformatics, learning and training, and business in general.

In civilian nuclear energy, for example, the GNEP and ITER initiatives are excellent examples of government-industry-academic collaboration on matters of national and international importance, market-relevance, and timeliness. They deserve support.

Supercomputing today is essential for innovation in both the world of science and the world of commerce. It is an indispensable tool if our country is to thrive in a global economy that grows more competitive by the day. It is therefore essential to pass an Innovation Authorization bill this year, as in S 2802, as you, Senator Ensign, Senator Stevens and others in this Committee know. The Federal Government funds basic research and establishes priorities for research in the pursuit of innovation and competitiveness. That makes wise, sustainable policy choices critically important to a national supercomputing capability.

To realize that capability, Congress should clearly outline and invest in a long-term strategy. For example, the President’s Budget request for fiscal 2007 includes high-performance computing activities that range from biomedical computing to earth and space science research and many others. Clear direction and consistent funding will foster investment by industry and academia, so that together we can address the challenges that face our country and grow the capabilities of our knowledge.

This is the kind of joint effort between government, universities and private industry for which there is no substitute.

Thank You"