Research Computing

Computational Science
Research-computing

Researchers are using computational quantum chemistry and deep learning methods to detect previously unidentified molecules for metabolomics and exposomics research.

Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Computationally enabled science requires the right computational building blocks. Research computing drives scientific innovation through advanced technologies, hardware, and capabilities. Our robust portfolio of investments sustains base capabilities and grows new, innovative offerings for more efficient and effective computing across the laboratory.

Building blocks. We steward large-scale computing resources ranging from high-performance computing and machine learning platforms, to public and private cloud architectures, and on-ramps to leadership class computing architectures. Our LabNet connects scientific laboratory equipment to networks, allowing researchers to access their instrument data quickly and securely.

Technical consulting. Our experts partner with researchers to develop robust data management plans and provide technical services and expertise to compute-intensive projects—from operational to applied. Our data stewardship board establishes mechanisms and guidance for the acceptance, use, and sharing of risk-sensitive data sets for PNNL research. The board balances societal interests about business and privacy risks while enabling researchers to obtain, use, and share data in the pursuit of ethical science.

Data management. Policies and procedures governing laboratory data are critical to the integrity of our research. Equally important are the data management systems, which is why our researchers access the PACIFICA and DataHub systems that enable secure and quick access to research data. Our unique Living Laboratory is an information instrument enabling real-time, in situ studies of PNNL itself as a microcosm of the real world, securely providing researchers novel information about PNNL’s campus operations, thus facilitating research on complex systems.

Software engineering. Our computing resources enable the construction of high-quality secure software in rich programming environments. Developer Central provides enterprise-grade software services and delivers standards-based tools for software project management, code repositories, and automated build systems laboratory wide.

A culture of curiosity and learning is foundational to a research institution. From brown bag learning lunches, to seminar speakers and user group forums, we bring people together for meaningful discussions and learning on important computing-related topics. Our annual TechFest event is a celebration of computing. It brings together scientists and engineers from across the laboratory to share their research, make connections, and grow their expertise in new and exciting ways.

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Core Research Computing Capabilities