Jun52026

The Audience Is the Panel: WHPC Supports the ISC26 Fishbowl Discussion

Some of the most important conversations at ISC26 will not happen in formal presentations. They will happen when the audience steps directly into the discussion.

This year, WHPC facilitators will help support the return of ISC’s popular Fishbowl Panel, an interactive session designed to bring attendees directly into the conversation around the future of HPC and AI.

Moderated by Addison Snell, the session uses a rotating panel format in which audience volunteers regularly join the discussion, creating space for a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and questions to shape the dialogue in real time.

The 2026 theme asks a deceptively simple question:  “What Is Truth, Anyway? (And Does It Even Matter?)”

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into HPC workflows, simulation, scientific discovery, and research processes, new tensions are emerging around validation, fidelity, precision, sovereignty, reproducibility, and trust.

Discussion topics may include:

  • How AI affects the fidelity of simulations
  • Establishing “ground truth” in fields that cannot be directly measured
  • The role of reduced precision and emulation methods
  • Quantum computing and evolving computational models
  • National and organisational sovereignty initiatives
  • How AI agents may reshape research and peer review

More importantly, the session is designed to encourage participation from voices that may not traditionally take the stage at a conference panel.

Early career professionals, first-time attendees, and members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to join the discussion and help shape the future direction of the HPC-AI community.

Fishbowl sessions are not about watching experts talk from a distance. They are about recognising that the future of HPC is being shaped collectively, across research, operations, industry, and community.

WHPC facilitators will help support audience engagement and discussion throughout the session at ISC26.

Session Information

  • What: Fishbowl Panel: What Is Truth, Anyway? (And Does It Even Matter?)
  • When: Wednesday, June 24th at 5:15 PM
  • Where: Hall 4

FAQs

  • What type of pass do I need to attend? Conference passholders are welcome to attend the fishbowl
  • Do I need to prepare anything in advance?  No preparation is required. Audience participation is voluntary, and attendees are welcome to contribute at whatever level feels comfortable to them.
  • Who can participate? Everyone. The Fishbowl format is specifically designed to create space for broader participation across the community.

Want to see what WHPC will be part of at ISC26? Full details about this year’s moderation initiatives can be found here:
https://womeninhpc.org/events/isc26-moderators