Discovery Mondays: 'The Grid: a universal computer'



How can one store and analyse the 15 million billion pieces of data that the LHC will produce each year with a computer that isn't the size of a sky-scraper? The IT experts have found the answer: the Grid, which will harness the power of tens of thousands of computers in the world by putting them together on one network and making them work like a single computer achieving a power that has not yet been matched. The Grid, inspired from the Web, already exists - in fact, several of them exist in the field of science. The European EGEE project, led by CERN, contributes not only to the study of particle physics but to medical research as well, notably in the study of malaria and avian flu.

The next Discovery Monday invites you to explore this futuristic computing technology. The 'Grid Masters' of CERN have prepared lively animations to help you understand how the Grid works. Children can practice saving the planet on the Grid video game. You will also discover other applications such as UNOSAT, a United Nations programme which uses the Grid to store and supply satellite photos during humanitarian crisis situations (wars, natural disasters). Finally, you will see the Grid work in real time thanks to a monitor showing the present Grid centres connected worldwide.

Join us at Microcosm (Reception, Building 33, Meyrin site), on Monday 2 October from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Entrance Free
The event will be conducted in French.

http://www.cern.ch/LundisDecouverte/