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Grand Challenge Program

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The Computing Grand Challenge Program allocates significant quantities of institutional computational resources to LLNL researchers to perform cutting edge research on the LC capability computers.

How it works

Grand Challenge allocations are awarded annually through a competitive proposal process. The majority of allocations are "Tier 2" awards (25k-50k node-hours), with a smaller number of larger "Tier 1" awards (100k-200k node-hours) given to the highest-ranked proposals that described a compelling need for the additional resources. Lists of all current and past awardees can be found here.

Who can apply

Any LLNL employee can apply! Grand Challenge awards are given solely on the basis of technical merit and anticipated impact. The awards are for compute time only, so applicants must have suitable funding in place to cover their effort in performing the proposed simulation campaigns. 

Timeline for 2024 Computing Grand Challenge program

August 17, 2023 at 3pm: Grand Challenge Town Hall

August 30, 2023:  Proposals due

November 10, 2023:  Review deadline

November 29, 2023:  Grand Challenge scoring committee meeting

December 15, 2023:  Awards announced

January 1, 2024:  Grand Challenge allocations begin

Grand Challenge resources are intended to:

  • Enable highly visible computational science through high impact publications

  • Demonstrate novel and/or cutting-edge use of HPC (e.g. new codes, new algorithms, new workflows)

  • Enhance/maintain LLNL’s reputation as a leader in HPC and computational science

Grand Challenge resources are NOT intended to:

  • Supplement programmatic or directorate compute resources

  • Provide long-term support for projects that don’t have external visibility