Javier Echávarri Delmás
CDTI, E.P.E.

Per-Olof Friman
CER

This presentation will provide an overview of the upcoming IT procurements and highlight a collaboration with the industry focused on the implementation of a new Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform. Participants will gain insights into the synergy between CERN and industry for the implementation, showcasing the benefits of such partnerships in driving innovation and efficiency. The presentation will underscore the complex nature of engineering data management spanning various engineering disciplines with the added value of an integrated PLM platform and offer an outlook on the potential future evolution of the PLM landscape.

Bernhard Isemann
ESA

This talk will present the latest advancements of the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in developing and deploying an ecosystem of data platforms and AI applications designed to automate space mission operations.  As space mission operations become increasingly complex and data-intensive, the need for efficient, autonomous systems has grown. By leveraging advanced AI techniques and robust data management frameworks, we aim at enhancing decision-making, optimizing mission workflows, and improving the overall operational efficiency. The presentation will focus on existing operational tools and data management platforms as well as on-going and upcoming developments using state-of-the-art AI methods, like Large Language Models, Machine Learning, automated planning.

Pascal Ballester
ESO

The presentation focuses on the ESO strategy for IT and Science Operation Software procurement and industry collaboration, in the period extending until 2028. The ESO IT Department, structured across three groups in Chile and Germany, operates cohesively across two continents and multiple time zones, ensuring consistent services at all sites. Key tenders include IT service provision (service desk, network, server and client support, cloud services, databases, cybersecurity, and web management) with typical contract periods of 3 + 2 years. IT communications and network infrastructure tenders focus on long-term contracts for Chilean observatories and network infrastructure. Moreover, Science Archive infrastructure and data center maintenance in Chile and Germany are included in the strategy, as well as software licenses and subscriptions. Science Operations Software development and maintenance is based on Agile approach, integrated into software development and maintenance contracts, focusing on dataflow development and software testing for VLT/ELT and ALMA dataflows. This strategic framework aims to enhance ESO’s scientific mission through advanced IT solutions and robust industry partnerships.

Fernando Calvelo Vasquez
ESRF

In the coming five years, the ESRF IT services will face significant challenges as we strive to advance in the realms of Big Data, High-Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cybersecurity within the framework of Open Science. Our objectives include managing the exponential growth of data generated by cutting-edge research, optimizing computational resources to support complex simulations and analyses, and harnessing AI to unlock new scientific insights. Additionally, safeguarding our digital infrastructure against evolving cyber threats while promoting open access to scientific data remains paramount. This presentation will explore our strategic roadmap, highlighting key initiatives and innovations, and uncovering the numerous opportunities for industrial partners and providers to collaborate with ESRF by offering products and services that meet these pressing challenges.

Steffen Hauf
Eu XFEL

This presentation will introduce the IT and engineering challenges associated with the Petabyte-scale data volumes routinely handled at the European XFEL. The impact of advances in data reduction at the facility will be presented, and an overview of the IT infrastructure and services supporting scientific operations at the facility will be given.

Iacopo Ianniello
F4E

Introduction to F4E’s DT function: organisation, ways of working and collaboration with private sector. How is F4E DT Unit working to ensure the delivery of best-in-class services in collaboration with industry, followed by a high-level plan of upcoming calls for tenders for IT-related services.

Jeremy Main
SKAO

This talk will cover the approach to procurement and operations of the high-end computing infrastructure and software being developed as part of the construction of the world’s largest radio astronomy project – the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO). We will discuss how the SKAO is addressing the sustainability of its computing infrastructure through considerations of power consumption, water usage, embodied carbon and the role of collaborative industrial R&D in tackling these issues in the late 2020s and beyond.

Chair and all speakers

Javier Echávarri Delmás
CDTI, E.P.E.