| Popis: |
The aim of this deliverable, D4.1: Continuity Plan for the PRACE Advanced Training Centres, is to present various options for continuing the operation of the PATCs beyond the end of the PRACE-3IP project. Continuity is considered in terms of sustaining the demand for and supply of HPC training material, as well as in financial terms. We review the operation of the current six PATCs from March 2012 to March 2013 and conclude that, overall, they have been very successful: a total of 4462 participant-days have been delivered with an average overall feedback rating of 8.5/10. The management and operational structure of the PATCs is also working well, with advice being taken from an external panel of experts. An analysis of the full costs of delivering training also shows that this is being delivered in a very cost-effective way for PRACE, with substantial in-kind contributions supplied by the PATC partners. However, the statistics also show that a great majority of course attendees are based in institutions in the same country as the PATC itself. We consider the future of HPC training in the EU and conclude that demand is likely to continue to increase and that there many opportunities for the PATCs to meet this demand. It would also be desirable for the PATCs to increase their collaboration and coordination with other training projects and organisations. Addressing these needs would be helped by greater flexibility in planning and financing the PATC activities, for example to enable PATCs to do more training in non-PATC countries or to better respond to changing requirements. Other training-related activities within PRACE such as the successful seasonal and international schools, and the Summer of HPC, should also be continued if possible as they are complementary to the PATC activities and address the issues of trainee mobility. We identify a range of eight options ranging from delivering a complete service with the best impact, down to a baseline level which maintains basic operations but is not sustainable in the long term. We estimate the total annual funding (both staff and non-staff) required for each option, which ranges from 89 PMs and 484 Keuro, to 57 PMs and 171 Keuro. Charging attendees at the maximum affordable level could potentially reduce the non-staff costs, for example by 135 Keuro in the baseline case, but this would undoubtedly reduce the number of attendees. We hope that these scenarios will be valuable input to the PRACE association regarding the on-going strategy discussion for PRACE 2.0. |
