WHPC Chapters and Affiliates at ISC25!
I’ve just returned from ISC25 in Hamburg, and I’m still buzzing with energy after such an incredible conference! One thing that really stood out to me was the increased engagement from the WHPC community. We offered more networking opportunities than ever – and you all showed up in full force. Thank you!
Kicking Off with Coffee Chats and Tech Talks:
We started the week with a coffee meet-up – a chance to connect early, meet some familiar faces, and build a sense of community going into the busy week ahead. While the weather kept us indoors, it was wonderful to meet so many of you in person, many for the first time, and swap WHPC Chapter swag! I’d love to expand this idea next year to more of the WHPC community.
Later that same day, WHPC took over the main stage at the ISC25 Opening Gala with our Tech Talks. This is a great moment to showcase what WHPC is all about: highlighting technical work, role models and a vibrant community. This year’s lineup included invited speakers sharing their career paths and HPC passions, spotlight talks from our Travel Fellows, and updates from WHPC Chapters around the world. I had the pleasure of hosting the Chapter updates – we had 8 speakers this year, up from just 3 in 2024! The event was once again well-attended and high-energy, with the usual delightful chaos around our swag giveaways.
WHPC Posters:
Throughout the week, WHPC posters were on display, celebrating the diverse range of work and voices within our community. The poster pitch and awards session was a highlight for many and showcased the depth of talent and range of research areas represented.
Super(computing) Heroes:
The Super(computing) Heroes BoF was the latest in a series organised by the Central European, MAR, and JuWinHPC Chapters. This session featured a fantastic panel from across industry and academia, representing a range of experiences, career stages, and perspectives. The discussion was lively and engaging, and the event was expertly curated. Very very well done to the organisers! Summary blog coming soon…
Chapters and Affiliates Meet-Up BoF
This was a last-minute addition after another BoF session dropped out. Huge thanks to ISC for giving us the room! This turned into a brilliant opportunity to learn from each other about running local WHPC groups – what’s working, what’s challenging, and what we need to do next. We split into two discussion groups, and here’s what came out of those sessions:
Sustaining Engagement & Local Strategies
One recurring theme was the challenge of sustaining engagement after the initial excitement of launching a WHPC chapter. While new groups often begin with a BIG burst of energy, it can be difficult to maintain this.
Institution-based chapters tend to have an advantage in this area as when members are physically close, it’s easier to organise casual meetups like coffee chats or lunches, which help keep the community active and connected. In contrast, chapters that span a region or an entire country often face more significant hurdles. These include logistical challenges, the need for virtual coordination, and greater reliance on funding to support travel or in-person events.
To help address these challenges, the group suggested encouraging smaller-scale, local meetups wherever possible – even a handful of members at the same institution can benefit from regularly connecting in person. Another successful strategy is to schedule WHPC events alongside larger conferences or existing gatherings. This not only helps boost attendance but also mitigates travel barriers, especially for early-career participants.
Allies, Identity, and Inclusive Design
The second discussion group focused on engaging allies and broadening participation in WHPC activities. One key question was how to attract and retain allies to support our mission and activities. While supportive male allies are essential, it’s equally important to ensure that women remain at the centre of leadership and the dialogue. This balance helps create a space where everyone feels empowered to share their opinions, step into leadership roles, and contribute equally to the conversation. This is key to creating an inclusive environment that works for everyone.
There was a strong interest in seeing conferences take a more proactive role in promoting diversity, such as reviewing gender balance on speaker panels and ensuring more inclusive programming. One idea was to integrate discussions of bias – particularly in technical fields like AI – into the core content of sessions, such as including a segment on responsible AI use. Framing these conversations as part of the broader technical discourse may draw in a wider, more diverse audience.
The conversation also turned to the naming and identity of WHPC. Some participants wondered whether more allies would engage if the initiative had a more neutral name. For example, the Swiss chapter uses the name “IDEAS in HPC,” which may be perceived as more inclusive while still aligned with WHPC’s values.
Looking Ahead
I’m so proud to be part of this dynamic, thoughtful, and inspiring community. Special thanks to the WHPC organising committee for making all of this happen!
Have ideas for future ISC programming? Want to share your feedback or photos? I’d love to hear from you – reach out to me at e.broadway@epcc.ed.ac.uk.
Let’s keep the momentum going and continue building a strong, inclusive HPC community together. 🙂
Eleanor Broadway