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.
2026 Grand Challenge Proposal Information
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 20th Computing Grand Challenge Program
August 20, 2025: Proposals due
November 07, 2025: Review deadline
December 4, 2025: Grand Challenge scoring committee meeting
December 15, 2025: Awards announced in Newsline
January 1, 2026: Grand Challenge allocations begin
Grand Challenge resources are intended to:
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Enable highly visible computational science through high impact publications
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Demonstrate novel and/or cutting-edge use of HPC (e.g. new codes, new algorithms, new workflows)
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Enhance/maintain LLNL’s reputation as a leader in HPC and computational science
Grand Challenge resources are NOT intended to:
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Supplement programmatic or directorate compute resources
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Provide long-term support for projects that don’t have external visibility
Grand Challenge Contact
hill134 [at] llnl.gov (Judy Hill)
Grand Challenge Program Leader
rhoden1 [at] llnl.gov (Nicole Rhoden)
Grand Challenge Coordinator
M&IC Contacts
springmeyer1 [at] llnl.gov (Becky Springmeyer)
M&IC Program Director
tomaschke1 [at] llnl.gov (Greg Tomaschke)
M&IC Deputy Program Director
