Plans for a Los Alamos National Laboratory / University of Michigan research computing center have generated significant controversy at U-M and in the Ypsilanti community. Putting aside the specifics of that particular center and its planning, however, the project raises larger questions about the costs and benefits of infrastructure for advancing scientific research. What are the positive and negative impacts of such facilities as a class? What are the conditions under which similar centers should or should not be built? What are the differences between commercial data centers and research-focused computing facilities?
The November 12th Open Questions event will feature panelists who have different views of the above questions as well as others concerning computing infrastructure for research. As with other Open Questions panels, the event will seek to enable a thorough airing of different perspectives with the goal of mutual understanding. Everyone interested in meaningful, engaged dialogue is welcome. Join us!