Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute (SCI)

🏆 Kudos to SCI's Martin Berzins for being named in Scientific Computing World's inaugural SCW75, which recognizes the top architects of scientific computing’s new era. Berzins focuses on how mathematical software, numerical algorithms, and analysis and parallel computing can solve challenging science and engineering problems in areas such as fluid dynamics, combustion, and atmospheric modeling.

Read more: https://bit.ly/sci-berzins

👏 Congrats to SCI's Andrew McNutt, who recently received the Johanna Beyer EuroVis Early Career Researcher Award!

The EuroVis Annual Conference distinction means McNutt has already made notable contributions to the field and is likely to make more. Specifically, it recognizes him for his outstanding contributions in critical visualization and programming interfaces, and for graphically augmenting domain-specific languages.

SCI’s Andrew McNutt Receives EuroVis Early Career Award - Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute Adapted from the European Association for Computer Graphics announcement The European Association for Computer Graphics this week named University of Utah Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute assistant professor Andrew McNutt the recipient of its 2026 Johanna Beyer EuroVis Early Career R...

🌎 AI is a double-edged sword for the planet: it carries real environmental costs, but it can also help drive environmental progress.

During a panel co-hosted by University of Utah College of Nursing and SCI’s One-U Responsible AI Initiative, faculty explored what higher ed can do next. At the U, researchers and students are building more sustainable AI models and GPUs, using AI to improve environmental decision-making around water supply and green infrastructure, and encouraging civic participation.

What AI Costs the Planet and How Higher Ed Can Help - One-U Responsible AI Initiative June 5, 2026 Behind every AI prompt is a chain of physical infrastructure—from data centers and power grids to cooling systems, mined minerals, and discarded...

SCI recently partnered with Xinnor on a storage infrastructure upgrade that gives researchers faster, more reliable access for managing the massive datasets that power discovery. The upgrade strengthens the computing environment behind our data-intensive research. 🙌

Full case study:

Replacing an Aging PostgreSQL Backend with xiRAID at the SCI Institute, University of Utah | Case Studies | Xinnor The University of Utah Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute is a global leader in applied, multidisciplinary computing research with real‑world impact. Founded in 1994, SCI brings together experts and students in computing, engineering, math, medicine, education, urban planning, enviro...

💼 We’re hiring a cohort of AI engineers to serve the broader community at The University of Utah! Join us as a full-time, benefitted employee in SLC and help researchers, educators, administrators, and campus partners build responsible, scalable AI solutions. Apply by August 19: https://bit.ly/sci-ai-eng

As AI accelerates a new era of discovery, issues of access, connectivity, and governance continue to limit the full realization of data-driven science. In a recent talk for the Coalition for Networked Information, SCI head and University of Utah Chief AI Officer Manish Parashar shared how one of his projects, the National Data Platform, is advancing a democratized data ecosystem for research and innovation.

CNI: Coalition for Networked Information 1 like. "Harnessing the Data Renaissance for Scientific Discovery"

As researchers across The University of Utah build, study, and use generative AI, they’re uncovering high-stakes ethical questions that can’t easily be solved by technologists or humanists alone. So last month, dozens of experts from across the U came together to work through such questions together in an experimental interdisciplinary workshop led by members of SCI's One-U Responsible AI Initiative.

Read the recap: https://bit.ly/rai-ethics

🏆 Congrats to SCI affiliate faculty member Dan Reed on receiving the Computing Research Association Association Distinguished Service Award last month.

“I was humbled and grateful to be recognized for helping advance science and technology policy,” Reed said. “At a time when public support for science is increasingly being questioned, it has never been more important for everyone to help make the case.”

Reed is the second member of the SCI community to receive the service award—Executive Director Manish Parashar earned the honor in 2024.

SCI Affiliate Dan Reed Wins Computing Research Association Distinguished Service Award - Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute Adapted from an article by the Computing Research Association. The Computing Research Association (CRA) Board of Directors recently selected Dan Reed—University of Utah Presidential Professor emeritus in computational science and affiliate faculty in the Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Inst...

A new statewide AI supercomputing system is coming online at The University of Utah this summer, backed by state funding and a public-private partnership. The U’s Center for High Performance Computing—which is a part of SCI and already serves 7,000+ researchers across Utah—will manage the world-class system.

State-backed AI supercomputer set to expand research capacity across Utah this summer - @theU Utah lawmakers invested $15 million in the university's new artificial intelligence supercomputing system.

🌍 AI & the Planet: Sustainable Innovation in Higher Education

What does AI really cost the planet, and what role should research universities like the U play? Join us for an Earth Month event exploring the sustainability of AI, from data centers and energy use to campus decision-making. Hear from U experts and share your thoughts on how we can build climate‑aligned AI practices in higher ed.

📅 Wednesday, April 15, at 10 am
✅ Registration required via Luma: https://luma.com/pkmw3nlo
🎓 Hosted by University of Utah College of Nursing and SCI, home of the One-U Responsible AI Initiative

Bring your questions, curiosity, and ideas for a more sustainable AI future.