What are we proposing to do?

We propose to create and build a high performance computing (HPC) eco-system in New Zealand as a spin-off from our involvements in the biggest science project in the world for the first half of the 21st century being SKA (Square Kilometre Array radio astronomy telescopes www.skatelescope.org).   This eco-system will allow members to engage in HPC business, research, development, and applications. We would like to recruit members and citizen scientists to join this development.

Background

Such a proposed HPC eco-system did not exist in New Zealand in the past (up to 2014). If we are able to create and build it, it will enhance the competitiveness of New Zealand in the world and create a lot of high value employment in the country.  Not only can New Zealand tender for the construction of the HPC system for SKA, we can develop a SKA data centre in New Zealand using our local resources and use our skills to benefit other industries such as medical, health, energy, transport, manufacturing, and primary industries. 

SKA consists of 3 telescopes and each telescope requires HPC to convert signals from the sky to visibility on the desktop.  Three countries are leadiing the design for the 3 telescopes and they are Canada, England, and New Zealand respectively.  The chance for New Zealand to be involved in the HPC construction tender and future HPC operation is high.  If this happens, New Zealand will surely stand tall on the world stage in HPC.

We hope our eco-system will consist of members on the supply side as well as the demand side, students as well as professors, and amateurs as well as professionals from all disciplines. 

What are the incentives to Members?

o Learning and participating in a national level science and technology effort
o Applying the learned information in private developments which would reduce the cost of development and improve the level of customisation greatly
o Becoming a development and delivery partner for Compucon if desired
o Associating with the international SKA project via Compucon as a New Zealand team member if desired
o Getting recognition from members of contributions (ranked 1 to 5)
o Retaining full independence apart from observing the interests of the community

Levels of Citizen Scientists

o The levels are in the sequence of increasing “cognitive” participation and corresponding training.  We will define a number of projects for all to participate and arrange to have professional scientists as moderators.  The lowest level is required to observe or follow the progress of the project and to collect data as desired.  The second level is for people who behave like an advocate and recruit members to the project.  The third level is for members capable of collecting “relevant data” in a logical manner like scientists.   The 4th level is for discerning people, providing not just data but discussion points as well.  The 5th level is for analytical people providing raw data, discussions, and ideas that can help shape our project direction.  They are on a par with professional scientists and can perform as moderators.

Level 1 Member (including students)
Level 2 Senior Member (advocate)
Level 3 Citizen Scientist
Level 4 Citizen Scientist (Senior)
Level 5 Citizen Scientist (Expert)

Who can be Members?

Any person with an educational background higher than Year 12, interested in STEM and the above mentioned project info, are New Zealand residents or citizens living overseas, keen to solve problems, agree to contribute to our project and abide by the code of ethics and other conditions, is eligible for membership consideration.  STEM is Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics.  In fact, the person does not need to have any formal training in STEM as we are looking for contributions and synergies from a wider section of the society.  A fact or solution might be well known in one area but may still be an entirely open question in another.  This proposed community allows people who might not be experts in HPC to bring what they know in their own field and apply the knowledge to HPC. 

How to Apply?

Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to introduce yourself.  There is no registration fee or membership cost involved. However, it is necessary to agree to the code of ethics and a non-disclosure agreement on private & commercial information acquired from the membership.

Proof-reader Sharron 2014-06-23