22 October 2024 | 1 minute read

AWE launches new centre of excellence in scientific computing

We are pleased to announce that AWE has launched the first phase of a new centre of excellence in scientific computing, in partnership with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Centre.

The ‘AWE Research Computing and Innovation Centre’ (RCI) is the first of 10 centres of excellence to be formed over the next five years – and joins a number of existing and established technical collaborations that AWE has with UK academia that support our mission.

The new partnership between AWE and the STFC Hartree Centre paves the way for our experts to work alongside Hartree Centre’s research staff for mutual benefit in the areas of exascale computing and AI. AWE and the Hartree Centre will investigate the use of machine learning, a field of study in AI, and high-resolution 3D reconstruction of objects imaged using X-ray tomography, a non-destructive imaging technique.

The launch of this centre of excellence will enable AWE research projects to benefit from pioneering advances in high performance computing and access to experts and state-of-the-art facilities at the Hartree Centre.

Supercomputing is a vital area of AWE’s mission and a key capability in enabling the Hartree Centre to address the scientific and industrial challenges for greater societal good.

This agreement is the culmination of months of hard work and collaborations between AWE and our partners at STFC Hartree Centre. Thank you to everyone who has contributed. The collaboration is a significant contribution to the overall scientific computing programme, which will enable a route for AWE to partner with the UK’s leading academics, maintaining our place at the forefront of science and innovation to support the UK’s deterrent”.
AWE Executive Director Science, Professor Andrew Randewich

Building upon this announcement, AWE will be participating as a platinum sponsor at this year’s Computing Insight UK (4-6 December, Manchester Central), the UK’s premier annual conference in high performance computing.

More news

AWE joins the BFRS Network

We are thrilled to announce that AWE has joined the British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) network. The BFRS is a social enterprise that works to support the Armed Forces Community (AFC) in transitioning to civilian careers. This network includes employers and training providers who are committed to supporting service leavers by offering exciting […]

A building with the word RAICo on it against a backdrop of hill cliffs and a beach

AWE joins RAICo

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) has announced the addition of AWE – a UK leader in nuclear technology and innovation – as its fifth member organisation. AWE joins the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), and the University of Manchester in this integrated collaboration.

Images of gliders on Aldermaston airfield lined up in 1944

Features

8 May 2025

VE Day at Aldermaston

80 years ago, the European part of the Second World War came to an end. On the 8th of May 1945 - known as Victory in Europe Day or VE Day - celebrations erupted around the world to mark this. Aldermaston had played its part in the liberation of Western Europe as it formed the launch point and training ground for American airborne operations for the 101st Airborne Division, nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles”, during D-Day a year earlier and the failed Operation Market Garden.