In 2009, the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council together with the Scottish Funding Council provided funds to establish this centre as a joint venture of the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Strathclyde.
What is the purpose of NAIS? NAIS helps to bridge the gap between numerical analysts, computer scientists and HPC software developers by developing new systems of code annotation, new compilers and efficient implementations for application-oriented computational methods such as adaptive finite elements, multiscale modelling, molecular simulation and optimization.
Who is involved in NAIS? NAIS is a partnership of the Schools of Mathematics and Informatics and the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre (EPCC) at the University of Edinburgh, and the Departments of Mathematics at Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde Universities. In addition, NAIS includes collaborations with researchers in the sciences and engineering at the three universities, and a network of collaborations with other institutions including, so far, the University of Cambridge, the University of Warwick, and Wales Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science. Industrial collaborations are currently in development (companies interested in possible collaboration should see our 'connect' pages).
NAIS has a revolving direcitorship; the first director is Benedict Leimkuhler (Mathematics, University of Edinburgh) and the Steering Committee consists of Mark Ainsworth (Mathematics, Strathclyde University), Murray Cole (Informatics, University of Edinburgh), Dugald Duncan (Mathematics, Heriot-Watt University), and Alison Kennedy (Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre); NAIS is further advised by the Head of College at the University of Edinburgh who acts as the presiding officer on the project.
What are the research activities of NAIS? NAIS operates substantial training, visitor and workshop programmes in relevant areas of numerical analysis, computer science and HPC software development. There are additional activities at the NAIS partners (currently Cambridge, Warwick and Wales Institute for Mathematical and Computational Science). Most of NAIS's activities are open to all UK scientists, including those based in Industry.
What posts are included in NAIS? Lectureships (permanent positions) in Mathematics at Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde Universities, and in Informatics at the University of Edinburgh; Postdoctoral Research Assistantships; PhD Studentships. Posts have been hired since 2009 and most have now been filled (see the People page for details).
Where can I find out more about NAIS? This website is the best place to start, or send an email to info@nais.org.uk