The WHPC workshop series has become the leading SC event focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). We aim to raise awareness and address issues around diversity and inclusion within the HPC community and workforce by focusing on the following topics:
- Improving diversity and inclusion for all in the HPC workforce
- Building a deeper understanding of what diversity, equity, and inclusion means for different groups
- Strategies for recruitment, retention, and success
- Building community through real-time networking
- Learning from, and valuing, different experiences and career paths
Lack of diversity in the workforce is a challenge that the entire supercomputing industry faces. Research shows that diverse teams increase productivity, idea generation, problem-solving and scientific output, so addressing the lack of diversity should be as important to the community as the push for exascale. This workshop is a key step in addressing one aspect of the under representation of various minorities: helping to retain diverse employees in the field and providing them with the tools to prosper and excel.
About the Rising Star Cohort Process
This workshop provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for early-career members of the HPC community to present at an international conference, forge valuable networks, and attend their very first SC.
A great idea can burn out if it doesn’t spread. So, we hope to reflect the light of the rising stars in our community so their work can have an even broader impact, in addition to strengthening their individual skillset for further success. It does not have to be an academic research project, though we always want to hear about your research. It can be initiatives and their impacts, successful projects implemented, lessons learned from unsuccessful projects, etc.
Applications are invited as extended abstracts (up to 2 pages) in any area that utilizes High-Performance Computing. Selected applicants will be asked to provide a version of their work highlighting its goals, accomplishments, and impact to present in a short lightning talk (3 minutes) at the workshop. We are also offering mentorship to all accepted Rising Stars to help with preparations for presentations, structuring lightning talks, and making the most of attendance at an international conference. The extended abstracts will have the opportunity to be included in a digital archive to acknowledge your participation in the WHPC workshop.
In addition to the research abstract, we request a personal statement (maximum 1 page) where you tell us the story of your career, what your goals are, and how you want to leverage this opportunity for both your career and your community. We also request a CV, which can include the usual details about experience. Use the personal statement wisely to show us the parts that make you a human beyond the CV.
We encourage anyone from an underrepresented group who considers themselves to be ‘early career’ (i.e., still studying, within five years of graduation, or within five years of transition into the field) to participate. However, this opportunity is open to help anyone who feels they may benefit from presenting their work, irrespective of career stage. Traditionally, our workshop series has focused on gender diversity and issues primarily facing women. Since the workshop at SC23, we have had an increased emphasis on diversity and inclusion of all people from under-represented groups. By explicitly broadening our scope, we hope to increase participation from other minority groups and particularly those individuals who feel marginalized across multiple dimensions.
As HPC is a large community that encompasses many different roles, we welcome both technical and non-technical contributors to submit about their work in order to broaden the knowledge of all those to attend our workshop. All abstracts should emphasize the impact of the work, such as the problem you are seeking to solve, the community benefits from investigating this work with or alongside HPC, any challenges noted and/or overcome, as well as any other challenges you wish to highlight.
Benefits of Participation
- Showcase your work to an international HPC community!
- Networking: build your HPC network, meet peers and potential employers.
- Advice and mentoring: Receive expert advice and mentorship to help prepare for your presentation, including slides, how to structure a lightning talk for effective communication and how to make the most of the networking time afterwards.
Travel Support Considerations
Thanks to the WHPC supporters, we are delighted to provide reimbursable travel funding of up to £3,000 (approximately $4000USD) for some of our Rising Stars. This funding can be used for travel and accommodation needs, including flights/trains, hotels, conference passes, food, and drink.
The WHPC Rising Star travel support ensure everyone has equal opportunity to attend and present at the conference. Anyone who indicates a financial need in the submission form will be considered. You do not need to leverage your personal statement to explain that need.
Timeline
- Application deadline: August 14, 2026
- Application notifications: September 9, 2026
- Acceptance Confirmation: October 2, 2026
- Mentoring Kickoff: Mid-October
- WHPC Workshop at SC26: November 16, 2026
Ready to Submit?
This submission requires an extended abstract (up to 2 pages), CV, and personal statement (up to 1 page). A short biography and headshot photo will also be requested as part of the application process. See all details and submit your application here: https://submissions.supercomputing.org/
Good luck, and we hope to see you presenting in Chicago this November!
