CCS: Institutes: CCII

For some industrial firms, a new or improved product or process is not possible without solving complex problems. Sometimes these solutions can be obtained only by writing computer codes that run on parallel computers built from many nodes. To enter the esoteric world of codes, nodes, and other aspects of high-performance computing, industrial firms often require the aid of appropriate computer experts. Such expertise could help many companies become more competitive in the world marketplace and manufacture safer, more efficient products.

Providing support and assistance to U.S. industry to smooth its path into high-performance computing is a prime expectation of ORNL's Center for Computational Sciences (CCS). To help meet this expectation, the CCS launched the Computational Center for Industrial Innovation (CCII). This DOE national user facility, established in August 1994, hosts ORNL-industry collaborations in projects featuring high-performance computing. Thanks to our computational capabilities, CCII users are solving challenging, industrially relevant problems--problems that have previously eluded solution because of insufficient computational power or inadequate software availability.

The three primary mechanisms for gaining access to our unique facilities and capabilities are

• User agreements
• Work for Others agreements
• Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs)

Access to the Oak Ridge user facilities is a twofold process: (1) the review and approval of the user's proposal and (2) an executed agreement between the user institution and UT-Battelle. Acceptance of proposals depends on scientific merit, suitability of Oak Ridge facilities for the proposed project, selection of an Oak Ridge collaborator, and appropriateness of the work to DOE objectives. Once a proposal is approved, the specific operating procedures, time allotted for work, user fees (if any), and collaborative arrangements will be determined. For more information on User Facility Agreements, intellectual property, etc., see the ORNL Technology Transfer and Economic Development page How to Gain Access to Oak Ridge National Laboratory User Facilities.

To explore a collaboration with ORNL via CCII, contact Jeff Nichols, nicholsja@ornl.gov, 865-574-6224.