UK Government Considers Funding Supercomputer at University of Edinburgh
Background
The UK government has discussed funding a supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh, just six months after axing a similar major computing project at the institution. The proposal is part of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s forthcoming compute strategy, which aims to increase government-owned compute capacity 20-fold by 2030.
Previous Supercomputer Project
In August, the Labour government axed a £800mn supercomputer at Edinburgh university, claiming the Conservatives had failed to allocate money for it while in office. The move sparked a strong backlash from the tech and scientific community, which argued it would dent Britain’s ambitions in those sectors.
New Developments
Officials have considered putting a new state-owned supercomputer at the university as part of Starmer’s compute strategy. One person briefed on internal discussions said that officials are "still keen for a supercomputer project to go ahead at Edinburgh." Another official suggested that the existing facility, which had already spent £30mn, could be repurposed into a new supercomputer project.
Minister’s Comments
Labour’s secretary of state for Scotland, Ian Murray, told the Scottish parliament that Edinburgh’s supercomputer had never been "cancelled" and was instead being "reassessed" and would go into the spending review process, which is expected to conclude by the summer.
Government’s Plans
Starmer announced this week that his administration would seek to increase government-owned compute capacity 20-fold by the end of the decade and start work on a "brand new supercomputer." However, he did not disclose where the supercomputer would be or how much the government would invest in the project.
Global Context
Exascale supercomputers are crucial for developing artificial intelligence in Britain, as well as the performance of ever more advanced scientific modeling. The US already has three fully functioning exascale computers, while China is understood to have two in operation, with a third under development. Japan, the EU, and France are in the process of building their first exascale computers, which are expected to be online in the next few years.
Conclusion
The UK government’s consideration of funding a supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh is a significant development in the country’s efforts to boost its computing capacity and stay competitive in the global tech landscape.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the proposed supercomputer?
A: The proposed supercomputer is intended to increase the UK’s computing capacity and support the development of artificial intelligence and advanced scientific modeling.
Q: How much has the UK government planned to invest in the project?
A: The exact amount of investment has not been disclosed, but the government has committed to increasing government-owned compute capacity 20-fold by 2030.
Q: When can we expect to see the new supercomputer in operation?
A: The government has announced plans to start work on a "brand new supercomputer" but has not provided a specific timeline for its completion.
