FRANKFURT, Germany, March 25, 2021 — The ISC High Performance organizers are very pleased to announce the keynotes at this year’s event. The ISC conference and exhibition will take place digitally from June 24-July 2, 2021.

“Our three keynote presentations are meant to provide you with unique and distinctive moments each conference day. Each of our keynote speakers are individuals who can offer profound insights in their area of expertise,” said the ISC organizers.

The Conference Keynote

The Monday, June 28 keynote titled Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in Earth Observation will be presented by Prof. Dr. Xiaoxiang Zhu, Professor, Signal Processing in Earth Observation, Department Aerospace and Geodesy, TU Munich.

Abstract

Geoinformation derived from Earth observation satellite data is indispensable for many scientific, governmental and planning tasks. Geosciences, atmospheric sciences, cartography, resource management, civil security, disaster relief, as well as planning and decision support are just a few examples of how this data can be used. With the entrance of earth observation into the big data era, we see applications being undertaken by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel satellites, along with use cases being pioneered by emerging NewSpace companies. These require not only new technological approaches to manage and process large amounts of data, but also new analysis techniques. Here, data science methods and artificial intelligence (AI), such as machine learning, are indispensable.

In her conference keynote, Professor Xiaoxiang Zhu will discuss how breakthroughs in geoscientific and environmental research can be achieved using these new methods. In particular, she will explain how explorative signal processing and machine learning algorithms, like compressive sensing and deep learning, can significantly improve information retrieval from remote sensing data. By applying cutting-edge data science algorithms to petabytes of Earth Observation data derived from everything from satellites to social media, it is now possible to tackle large-scale challenges, such as the mapping of global urbanization, with unprecedented sophistication.

The Tuesday Keynote

The Tuesday, June 29 Keynote titled Quantum Computing: From Academic Research to Real-World Applications will be presented by Matthias Troyer, Distinguished Scientist at Microsoft.

Abstract

Still in early development, quantum computing is already overturning our contemporary notions of computational methods and devices. Using new concepts of computing based in quantum physics, these computers will be able to solve certain problems that are completely intractable on any imaginable classical computer, such as accurate simulations of molecules and materials, or breaking public key encryption. While this potential is real, quantum computers are best viewed as special purpose accelerators for specific problem classes.

In an effort to bring clarity to the fast-growing field of quantum computing, I will describe the hardware and software architecture of quantum computers and discuss how they differ from conventional classical high performance computers. Based on this, I will also attempt to dispel myths and hype surrounding the field and present a realistic assessment of the potential of these devices and the specific application areas on which they are expected to have a large impact. I will end by showing that quantum computing already generates value today, through quantum inspired approaches. These are quantum approaches implemented on classical HPC hardware that outperform the state of the art of classical methods known before, with applications in health care, logistics, chemistry and other areas.

The Wednesday (Closing) Keynote

The closing keynote, on Wednesday, June 30, will be presented by Prof. Dr. Thomas Sterling, Professor, Intelligent Systems Department Director, AI Computing Systems Laboratory Indiana University. Abstract coming soon.

Additional information here: https://www.hpcwire.com/off-the-wire/isc-high-performance-keynotes-reflect-shaping-tomorrow-theme-of-2020-event/

And on the ISC website: https://www.isc-hpc.com/

About ISC21

ISC High Performance 2021 will bring together a community devoted to the relentless improvement of technologies and products that will help drive our future. Through HPC, these individuals will forge applications that not only promise to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, but also help solve some of society’s most pressing problems.

Join us at the event that will shape tomorrow (#ShapingTomorrow).

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Source: ISC High Performance 2021