The Science Grid

By Bill Nicholls

November 8, 2004

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Science today probes the bounds of nature, from sub-atomic particles to galaxies and the origin of the universe. With the exception of astronomy, research in science usually requires large amounts of equipment and generates massive quantities of data.

An extreme example of the effort required for advanced physics research is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), currently under construction. To find the elusive hadron particles, an international consortium is building a 6000 ton collision detector system that will be three stories tall. When it goes into operation in 2007, it will generate one petabyte of data per day—a thousand terabytes.

Hidden in that data galaxy are a few events that represent the elusive hadron. Along with the hadron data may be some unexpected events which will add to our knowledge of how nature works. Each of us has had the experience of looking for one thing, and finding something else during the search. Science makes discoveries that way as well.

Experiments such as the LHC don't just happen—they are the result of years of discussion and collaboration, followed by planning and negotiating for funding. This often takes longer than building the project. Once the experimental site is in operation, then the data collection, analysis and discovery process begins.

Research Starts Here

Support for major science research in the U.S. often starts at the National Science Foundation (NSF). There are eleven program areas in the NSF, but serving all of the other areas is the Directorate for Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE).

Inside CISE there are four divisions:

• Division of Computing & Communication Foundations (CCF)
• Division of Computer & Network Systems (CNS)
• Division of Information & Intelligent Systems (IIS)
• Division of Shared Cyberinfrastructure (SCI)

In addition to the divisions, CISE has a Special Initiatives program.

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