NCSA plays a key role in the evolving national cyberinfrastructure

Computation has joined observation and experimentation as an integral part of the scientific process. Through modeling and simulation, scientists and engineers can "see" beyond the reach of the most sensitive observational instruments. They can investigate how the human body functions at the molecular level, how the universe evolved in the moments after the Big Bang, and how atmospheric forces create deadly storms.

The success of computational research demands a powerful, robust, easily accessible cyberinfrastructure. Cyberinfrastructure is the Digital Age equivalent of the Interstate Highway System; just as the network of high-speed roadways accelerates travel and commerce, cyberinfrastructure accelerates innovation and discovery. Cyberinfrastructure provides:

• High-performance computing systems.
• High-speed networks.
• Tools to move, store, analyze, visualize and share oceans of data.
• Cyberenvironments that provide streamlined access to these resources, as well as services to help manage complex projects, automate processes, and facilitate collaboration.
• People with the expertise to develop, deploy, and support these resources.

NCSA is a key contributor to the evolving national cyberinfrastructure:

• NCSA provides powerful computational resources and innovative technologies and tools.
• NCSA collaborates closely with communities of researchers to develop tailored cyberenvironments.
• NCSA develops scientific visualizations that provide critical insights for researchers and make complex phenomena exciting for non-scientific audiences.
• NCSA explores the novel technologies that will propel computing to new heights of productivity.
• NCSA's expert staff provides the training and support that enable researchers to use cyberinfrastructure effectively and efficiently.
• NCSA helps inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers.