NUMERICS · International PhD programme in NUMERICal Simulation

International PhD programme in NUMERICal Simulation

Numerical simulation and scientific computing will face major challenges in the coming years, such as the development of hardware and software architectures able to deliver very high computing power, the development of specific simulation algorithms that run on HPC computers, the generation of data “simulation experiments”, data analysis with adequate multi-D visualisation systems, statistical analysis, modelling methods combining different scales and physical models and the management of large and complex data sets (BigData). CEA has been recognized as an expert in scientific and technological research in this strategic area but ambitions to increase its competitiveness by renewing its research organisation and training capabilities, thus developing its expertise, accelerating development, and internationalizing its position. In this context, the NUMERICS project promoted cutting edge research in scientific domains with real prospects yet still poorly developed at CEA by proposing an innovative PhD training that focuses on “numerical simulation and scientific computing” as transversal research activities that will act as leading stakeholder for CEA and further outline the existing PhD programme. Thus, 45 international fellowships have been awarded for PhD projects taking place in CEA laboratories stimulating base camps for all PhD students. The project strongly contributed to the development of European research and human resource capacities as well as knowledge transfer between academic, research institutions and industry. In this regard, NUMERICS strengthened the development and innovation of EU industries in many competitive areas impacted by numerical simulation, e.g. energy, transport, health, climate. Training NUMERICS PhDs to the high standard set out in the programme lead to introducing a new generation of researchers able to answer the societal challenges addressed by European Commission. Indeed, NUMERICS fellows contributed to health, energy and transport challenges with 5 patents being filed. Most of the NUMERICS students successfully pursued their professional life, the majority (85%) in R&D companies, start-ups or academic research (40% as post-doc). A few of them oriented their professional life more into higher education or science administration.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union