The CINI HPC: Key Technologies & Tools Laboratory (HPC‑KTT) is a national research laboratory established under Italy’s CINI Consortium, which includes 52 universities. Directed by Prof. Marco Aldinucci (University of Torino), with Prof. Massimo Torquati (University of Pisa) as vice-director, the lab unites academic and research expertise to address foundational technological challenges in high-performance computing (HPC).
Mission & Focus
HPC-KTT is dedicated to advancing the “enabling technologies” that drive next-generation computing platforms—including CPUs, accelerators, and other emerging architectures, such as quantum computers. Operating at the intersection of algorithms development, programming models, software design, hardware innovation, and scientific application domains, its mission encompasses:
- strengthening national computing infrastructure;
- advancing core HPC platform technologies;
- collaborating with domain-specific HPC centers of excellence.
The lab works in close coordination with major supercomputing hubs and specialized research centers to support and accelerate breakthroughs across the HPC landscape.
Research & Activities
- Bridging domain and technical expertise: projects increasingly demand the integration of deep scientific knowledge with advanced programming skills across a variety of hardware platforms.
- Addressing heterogeneity, robustness & sustainability: As computing platforms grow more diverse, research is focusing on meeting extra-functional requirements—particularly in enhancing security and ensuring system resilience and energy efficiency.
Network & Organization
HPC-KTT is a distributed laboratory, with nodes located at universities and CNR (National Research Council) institutes across Italy, each staffed by faculty members and researchers. This federated structure promotes strong regional engagement while enabling effective cross-institutional collaboration, aligning with the broader mission of the CINI Consortium.
Education & Community Engagement
- CINI HPC Summer School: the lab leads Italy’s top HPC educational event, now in its 3rd edition, offering intensive lectures and hands-on tutorials.
- Industry & research outreach: it engages closely with supercomputing centers, scientific communities, and industrial partners, ensuring technology readiness and real-world impact.
Highlights & Leadership
Leadership:
- Director: Marco Aldinucci, , University of Torino
- Vice‑Director: Massimo Torquati, University of Pisa
Governing Board:
- Raffaele Perego, CNR – HPC ISTI
- Pasqua D’Ambra, CNR – IAC
- William Fornaciari, Politecnico of Milano
- Domenico Talia, University of Calabria
- Beniamino Di Martino, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”
- Andrea Di Bartolini, University of Bologna “Alma Mater Studiorum”
- Moreno Marzolla, University of Bologna “Alma Mater Studiorum”
- Daniele D’Agostino, University of Genova
- Alessandro Cilardo, University of Napoli “Federico II”
- Francesco Leoporati, University of Pavia
- Sergio Saponara, University of Pisa
- Salvatore Filippone, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”
- Francesco Palmieri, University of Salerno
- Roberto Giorgi, University of Siena
- Michele Amoretti, University of Parma
- Flavio Vella, University of Trento
- Adriano Mancini, Politechnic University of Marche
- Marco Danelutto, University of Pisa
- Claudio Ardagna, University of Milano
Why It Matters
HPC‑KTT is essential in driving Italy’s leadership in high-end computing, supporting the development of software, tools, and methodologies to harness heterogeneous HPC& Quantum platforms. By integrating academic research, industrial collaboration, and training, it strengthens both Italy’s and Europe’s computational capabilities.
Source: CINI HPC-KTT