When participants of the 9th Users' Conference of IT4Innovations gathered in Ostrava at the end of October, they experienced far more than just a series of presentations. The atrium of our supercomputing centre buzzed with discussions on planned system upgrades, the acceptance of the first Czech quantum computer and possibilities for its use, as well as the impressive scientific results achieved thanks to our computational resources.
The conference has long been a meeting place for ideas, inspiration, and people who, with the help of supercomputers, are pushing the boundaries of science. This year’s event brought together representatives from more than 15 institutions – from CTU, Masaryk University, Palacký University and CEITEC, to institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences and international guests from the Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics.
Those who could not attend in person can still revisit the highlights of the conference. Presentations from speakers are available here, and the main points from the Users Forum can be found below.
Keynotes: from lasers to galaxies
Three keynote speakers offered inspiring insights into the world of cutting-edge research.
Petr Valenta (ELI Beamlines) demonstrated how he uses supercomputer simulations and Bayesian algorithms to optimise laser-driven electron accelerators, which promise significant reductions in size and cost compared to their radiofrequency counterparts, unlocking opportunities for widespread use in hospitals, university laboratories, and beyond.
Petra Čechová (CATRIN, Palacký University) guided the audience through the microscopic world of biological membranes, where cholesterol plays a central role in shaping their physical properties and influences the behaviour of embedded proteins.
Petr Strakoš (IT4Innovations) presented a workflow for the visualisation of cosmological simulations that connects supercomputing with interactive graphics, enabling scientists to literally see the evolution of the universe.
The programme also featured practical talks on the use of European supercomputers under EuroHPC JU and on the work of the High-Level Support Team (HLST), which assists users with code optimisation, data management, and the efficient use of EuroHPC JU resources.
Fair access and efficient use of resources: the central theme of the Users Forum
As always, one of the most popular parts of the event was the Users Forum – a discussion with Martin Friák (Czech Academy of Sciences), Chairman of the Users Council, and Branislav Jansík (IT4Innovations), Director of Supercomputing Services. Participants engaged in an open debate on grant competitions, planned upgrades, and priorities for the Czech research community.
Several key recommendations emerged from the discussion. Participants were reminded that inserting publications into the IT4Innovations database is essential, as these outputs demonstrate that allocated computational resources have been used effectively. Once again, it was highlighted that the demand for computing time significantly exceeds available capacity, which results in reduced allocations – particularly for new applicants, who are encouraged to begin with Fast Track Access.
Users were requested to be realistic and fair when submitting their project proposals – not to deliberately overestimate the amount of computational resources they require and to always list both national and international grants supporting their research, as these are taken into account during the allocation process.
The debate also addressed the broader European context. Participants were reminded of the EuroHPC JU access calls, which provide access not only to the Karolina supercomputer but also to other cutting-edge European supercomputers.
The new policy for accessing the LUMI supercomputer was also mentioned. This policy emphasises the active use of allocated resources. The planned hardware upgrade at IT4Innovations was also mentioned. This upgrade should help to meet the growing needs of users.
Poster session: 35 research posters, 35 opportunities for inspiration
The poster session provided a space for direct discussion and exchange of experience. This year, 35 research posters were presented – from advanced simulations and algorithm development to experimental designs using supercomputers in new fields. It is often during this informal part of the programme that the most ideas are generated, which later turn into new collaborations.
The ninth edition of the conference once again confirmed that IT4Innovations is not only about computing power. It is a community of scientists, innovators, and partners who connect state-of-the-art technology with creative ideas and help advance Czech science on the international stage. Every participant leaves with inspiration, new contacts, and concrete impulses for their own research.
Presentations from the conference speakers are available here.
The IT4Innovations team thanks all participants of the 9th Users Conference and looks forward to the milestone 10th edition in 2026.
