R&D Directions

Our R&D directions

Throughout its history, CERN has been at the forefront of big data scientific research, with CERN openlab playing a pivotal role in tackling the associated computing challenges. By fostering collaborations with industry and research organisations, CERN openlab empowers the HEP community in its research endeavours. In response to the evolving landscape of scientific research, including the advent of exascale computing, CERN openlab spearheads efforts to enhance and scale up IT infrastructure to tackle the upcoming data challenges. 

CERN openlab objectives are to pioneer sustainable and innovative computing solutions, harness AI and heterogeneous computing for environmental benefits, and foster collaboration and technology transfer between industry and the scientific community. Through collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including the HEP community, other scientific disciplines, and technology providers, CERN openlab fosters co-development of solutions and co-design of infrastructure. This collaborative approach drives innovation and advancement for all parties involved. Moreover, it enables partners to leverage solutions from HEP to address challenges in other fields, ensuring maximal relevance and impact. Projects within the CERN openlab framework are dedicated to accelerating computing for science, particularly under the R&D directions of 'Sustainable Infrastructures' and 'Emerging Technologies'. 

The CERN openlab implementation model relies on two main approaches:

  1. Establishing a managed portfolio of small to medium-size, agile projects with technology providers with clear impact on the CERN IT Technology Roadmap.
  2. Identifying a few collaborations, especially at the level of the computing infrastructures, of high potential impact and act as an initial incubator for longer-term collaborations.

Leveraging these approaches, CERN openlab actively pursues collaborations with industry and academia, establishing a foundation of trust for enduring partnerships. This approach not only maximises technical impact but also fully harnesses the potential of innovative technologies, thereby amplifying our core strengths.