Grand challenges to computational science

This paper addresses some of the tougher requirements on current grand challenge research to ensure that it has enduring value in the forthcoming computational era.

Abstract

Computational Science is at the very beginning of centuries of growth, comparable to the four centuries of experimental advances since Galileo. The Grand Challenges to Computational Science are unsolved scientific problems of extraordinary breadth and importance which will demand continuing computational advances throughout the forthcoming computational era. Supercomputers can be used to see phenomena not directly accessible to experiment in key scientific and engineering areas such as atmospheric science, astronomy, materials science, molecular biology, aerodynamics, and elementary particle physics. However, the benefits of supercomputers will be greatly increased if some major difficulties are overcome. In this paper, I address some of the tougher requirements on current grand challenge research to ensure that it has enduring value. The problems of algorithm development, error control, software productivity, and the fostering of technological advances are especially important.