Exploring Exascale:
Key Episodes from the
Let’s Talk Exascale Podcast
The Let’s Talk Exascale podcast (2017–2023) offered deep insights into the Exascale Computing Project (ECP), a U.S. Department of Energy effort (2016–2024) that built a cutting-edge computing ecosystem for large-scale scientific simulations. Conceived by ECP Communications Manager Mike Bernhardt, the podcast spanned 109 episodes, featuring expert discussions and regular updates from the ECP director.
As one of the first, if not the very first, podcasts in the DOE lab system, Let’s Talk Exascale had no established framework for production support. Scott Gibson—an experienced science communicator and former radio broadcaster—relied on his broadcasting expertise to independently produce, write, and host most episodes. He interviewed ECP scientists on key topics such as application development, software advancements, and hardware and integration.
Each year, except in 2020, Scott attended the national supercomputing conference (in Denver, Dallas, and St. Louis), where he had the opportunity to capture in-person episodes with ECP researchers. However, outside of those events, he handled every aspect of the podcast remotely, from recording to post-production. The podcast’s episodes were regularly featured in high-performance computing publications.
More about the ECP
The Exascale Computing Project (ECP), running from 2016 to 2024, was the largest U.S. Department of Energy software research and development effort, with $1.8 billion in funding and nearly 2,800 experts working toward exascale computing. This initiative advanced high-performance computing by developing powerful software, applications, and platforms to tackle complex science, healthcare, energy, and national security challenges. ECP integrated modeling, simulation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics breakthroughs to create the first complete exascale computing ecosystem. Now, exascale computing is transforming scientific discovery and innovation across numerous fields.
ECP leadership timeline
Paul Messina served as the first director of the ECP from 2016 to 2017, laying its foundation. Doug Kothe led the project through its core development phase from 2017 to 2023. In late 2023, Lori Diachin oversaw ECP’s final phase and successful completion in 2024.
Highlighted episodes
Explore select episodes on subjects with broad implications for scientific computing
Modeling laser plasma technology (11/16/22)
The WarpX team, a 2022 ACM Gordon Bell Prize finalist, discusses its work on advancing plasma-based particle accelerators. The team explains how they leverage exascale computing resources to perform high-fidelity simulations, leading to significant scientific breakthroughs.
Advancing cancer research with AI (05/03/23)
Researchers John Gounley and Heidi Hanson examine the CANDLE project, an open-source AI platform accelerating cancer research through deep learning and multi-lab collaboration. They explore challenges like predicting drug responses and analyzing cancer at the population level.
Researcher John Turner explores the ExaAM project, part of the Department of Energy’s Exascale Computing Project, which applies exascale simulations to revolutionize additive manufacturing. He explains how predictive modeling of microstructures and material properties accelerates the design and certification of 3D-printed metal parts.
Transforming 3D Printing with Exascale (05/27/20)
Enhancing science with AI (03/12/20)
ExaLearn leader Frank Alexander, with Peter Nugent and Brian Van Essen, develops exascale machine learning tools for scientific research. They showcase deep neural networks reducing costs and enhancing cosmology simulations.
Predicting material properties (07/28/22)
Paul Kent, principal investigator of the QMCPACK project, explains how quantum mechanics–based simulations predict fundamental material properties. He emphasizes the role of exascale computing in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of these predictions.
Deploying the Frontier supercomputer (10/18/21)
Justin Whitt, program director at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, details the deployment of Frontier, the nation’s first exascale supercomputer. He covers its unprecedented computational power, unique features, and the extensive preparations required for its installation.
Get in Touch
If you'd like to discuss anything about the ECP podcast or science communication topics in general, drop Scott a message. All the best to you.