The University of Alabama is set to embark on an exciting project as its Board of Trustees has given the green light to build a state-of-the-art high-performance computing and data center on the eastern edge of campus. Construction is all set to commence, with a projected completion date in late 2026. This significant development is set to revolutionize research and educational opportunities at the university.

Powerful Computing and Data Center

The UA HPC will house a large, interconnected computing system that will claim the title of the fastest in the state and be on par with peer research institutions. It will boast an estimated $25 million worth of computing power along with additional space dedicated to providing a cloud storage alternative for potential research partners. This center will serve as a powerhouse, supporting research across all campuses of the University of Alabama System and facilitating collaboration with external partners through shared infrastructure for research and workforce development.

Attracting World-Leading Faculty

The system is expected to attract world-leading faculty members to UA. These esteemed scholars will enhance educational experiences and help recruit more high-achieving students. The HPC positions the UA System for more industrial, government, and academic partnerships, which will lead to increased economic development and intensified discovery, especially in key research areas such as water, materials, transportation, health, national security, and quantum computing.

Funding and Facilities

Most of the funding for this remarkable project comes from a disbursement by the United States Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, along with a supplemental appropriation from the state’s Education Trust Fund. This approval by the Alabama Legislature and the signature of Gov. Kay Ivey in 2023 has made it possible. The HPC will be a petascale computing system, capable of performing quadrillions of calculations per second. It will be the only system in Alabama to meet the benchmarks for the Top500 list, the ranking system for the nation’s high-performance supercomputers. The 40,000 square feet facility will allow for a substantial increase in UA’s computing power in a modern setting that enables UA researchers to compete for and secure federal and private industry grants and contracts.

Benefiting Students and the Community

“The application of machine learning to scientific problems means high-performance computing is essential for scientific discovery,” said Dr. Allen Parrish, executive director of the Alabama Cyber Institute. “The new center will offer UA students the chance to collaborate with faculty and find answers to our most pressing questions related to water, mobility, and power technologies. This high-performance computing and data center touches every discipline on campus and presents an opportunity to integrate technology throughout the university’s fabric. It will prepare students for their careers and drive the development of a highly skilled workforce that will fuel economic growth in Alabama for the 21st century.”This story originally graced the University of Alabama’s website, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s pursuit of excellence in research and education.