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  • Rethinking the HSUper workshop: From Lectures to Interactive Learning

hpc.bw is presenting the new concept for the upcoming HSUper Workshop

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The HSUper Workshop is undergoing a transformation. Designed to equip researchers with the skills needed to effectively utilize HPC resources, the updated format reflects a shift toward flexibility, personalization, and efficiency. Instead of a traditional lecture-based approach, the workshop will now emphasize self-directed learning, peer-to-peer support, and expert consultation, making it more relevant and impactful for its diverse audience.

Tailored to Different Experience Levels

High-Performance Computing (HPC) is used across disciplines, but not everyone approaches it with the same background. The reimagined HSUper Workshop recognizes this by catering to three key groups:

  • Interdisciplinary researchers with no formal computing background who need an accessible, low-barrier introduction to HPC.
  • Beginners with some programming experience looking to develop fundamental HPC skills.
  • Advanced users who already work with HPC but need targeted, problem-specific support.

By addressing these distinct needs, the new format ensures that every participant—whether they are just starting or optimizing complex computations—gets value from the workshop.

A Two-Day Format for Maximum Flexibility

The workshop is now structured into two complementary days, allowing participants to engage at their own pace and according to their specific needs.

  • Day 1: Self-Directed Hybrid Learning with Tutoring Support

The first day provides an open learning space where participants can work through structured self-paced training modules hosted on the HPC Portal. These materials cover essential HPC skills like system access, file management, data transfer, and job scheduling.

What makes this different? Live tutoring support. While participants work independently, experienced HPC tutors will be available to answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance—whether on-site or remotely.

  • Day 2: Expert Roundtables and Peer-to-Peer Learning

Instead of pre-defined lectures, the second day shifts the focus to interactive problem-solving. Prior to the workshop, participants will submit their individual challenges and research hurdles. These inputs will then be used to form small expert groups, each facilitated by an HPC specialist. Participants will:

  • Work on real research challenges related to their own projects.
  • Exchange insights with peers facing similar technical problems.
  • Receive hands-on guidance from an HPC expert in their field.

This shift from passive learning to collaborative problem-solving ensures that advanced users receive immediate, applicable solutions, while fostering a stronger HPC research community.

Expected Benefits of the New Approach

  1. Increased Engagement and Accessibility

By offering both self-directed learning and interactive expert discussions, the new structure accommodates different learning preferences. This flexibility is expected to increase participation, especially among researchers who previously found traditional workshop formats too rigid.

  1. Empowering Self-Guided Learning

The integration of the HPC Portal ensures that participants can continue learning beyond the workshop. This reduces dependency on in-person events while promoting long-term engagement with HPC training materials.

  1. Building a Stronger Research Community

The peer-to-peer format fosters collaboration and networking between researchers with shared computational challenges. By working together, participants develop problem-solving strategies collectively, creating lasting professional connections that extend beyond the workshop.

  1. Reducing Organizational Overhead

Unlike previous formats, this workshop minimizes the need for extensive preparatory work. Since most foundational learning is now self-paced, workshop organizers can focus their efforts on providing high-quality support and expert consultation, rather than repeatedly delivering the same introductory content.

Final Thoughts

With this new format, the HSUper Workshop becomes more than just a training event — it’s a dynamic space for learning, problem-solving, and community-building. Whether you’re new to HPC or a seasoned user seeking advanced optimization strategies, this workshop is designed to provide real, tangible benefits tailored to your needs.

The first iteration of the revamped HSUper Workshop is set to launch in approxametely september 2025. Stay tuned for more details on how to participate!