Computational Sciences

Scientific computing, also known as computational sciences, provides new tools for engineers, scientists and industry to model and simulate complex phenomena and systems within a computer, which cannot be investigated through physical experiments. Scientific computing, by enabling virtual experiments and computer simulations, has become the third pillar of scientific investigation.

Scientific computing is also central to innovation in most domains of our lives. It lies hidden behind most of today’s engineering and technological feats. Without modelling and simulation, the Airbus A380 would probably not fly. Aircraft, mega-structures, oil discovery, space science, finance, the film and entertainment industry are all strongly dependent on reliable models and simulation algorithms.

At the same time, we have entered an era in which soaring amounts of data offer enormous opportunities to those who will be able to harness it. We are standing at a turning point where the economic success of a country will be determined by its ability to exploit the vast amount of information we produce daily. Scientific computing will play an integral role in this quest for optimal data exploitation. For example, an open challenge is the use of data generated by self-sensing devices and systems to optimally pilot them: this has applications in smart materials and structures for aerospace and robotic surgery, robot swarms and many others.

In this context, the upcoming challenges for scientific computing will be to generate the same enormous impact it had on engineering upon biology, health and social sciences. This is only possible through the mathematical commonality between disciplines (for example, option pricing can be modeled using the same equation as that governing the flow of oil in reservoirs). This forms the core of the scientific strategy of the Luxembourg Centre for Scientific Computing.

Luxembourg is ideally placed to take a leading role in shaping the future of scientific computing in Europe. The country has a strong information technology infrastructure and work force,

Stéphane Bordas, in his role as Chargé de Mission, is working to set up and lead a sustainable Centre of Excellence in Scientific Computing. The Centre's focus is on the core mathematical building blocks common to Luxembourg’s Smart Specialisation Strategy: from space science and advanced materials to logistics and finance, through systems biology and sustainable development. Our mission is to:

• deliver high-impact science in scientific computing;
• create a new teaching and training programme, from primary to post-graduate and continuing education in scientific computing;
• create new bridges between pockets of excellence at the University of Luxembourg and at the Luxembourg public research centres to boost innovation, diversify the economy and foster inter-institute collaborations;
• serve as the main contact point for industry, policy makers and education in Luxembourg in all matters pertaining to digitalisation and scientific computing.

More information: Computational sciences website