NSF Grant Will Enhance Computing Facilities

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A supercomputer in the Arkansas High Performance Computing Center.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas has been awarded a $1.7 million grant from the National Science Foundation to enhance research computing facilities and network connections. The grant is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is effective Sept. 1.

The grant will support improvements to existing computing infrastructure, which will allow the Arkansas High Performance Computing Center to increase data transfer rates on campus from 1 to 10 gigabits per second. Improvements and renovations include a new electrical service entrance, uninterruptible power supplies and additional cooling capability. The award will also facilitate connection to INTERNET2, an advanced networking consortium of research universities and government laboratories.

“This opportunity makes the university and the state more competitive in the areas of computational and data-driven science,” said Amy Apon, professor of computer science and computer engineering and director of the Arkansas High Performance Computing Center. “It directly supports some of our most productive researchers and adds value in areas of economic significance to Arkansas.”

“The high-performance computer has become as essential as the laboratory in enabling discovery across a broad range of disciplines,” said James Rankin, vice provost for research and economic development. “This grant allows us to expand our capabilities and prepare our students to compete for jobs in this emerging field.”

Research areas that will benefit from renovated facilities and improved networking include integrated nanoscience, computational chemistry, computational biomagnetics, materials science and spatial science. The nanoscience research will lead to improvements in data storage and the design of devices such as actuators and sensors. Chemistry research will enable the prediction of acidities of certain molecules, which will aid in the development of new drugs.

The biomagnetics research could lead to the development of a passive, non-invasive technique for breast cancer detection. Materials science research into nanocomposites has broad impact on sensor design and application, specifically sensors that employ polymer-based nanocomposites as integral components. Research in spatial science has broad impact on the reliability of spatial data.

The renovated facility will be available to institutions that are part of the Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network, which connects all public, four-year colleges and universities in the state. The grant is effective until Aug. 31, 2013, after which the infrastructure will remain productive for years. Apon estimates that more than 600 undergraduate students and more than 150 graduate students will use the upgraded facility over the next few years.