High Performance Computing: structure and practice essentials
High Performance Computing: structure and practice essentials
7 May 2026, 13h00-17h00
General context
Large-scale data analysis and complex computations often exceed the limits of standard computing resources. This half-day course provides researchers and professionals with essential knowledge to confidently work with High Performance Computing (HPC) environments. During the session, you will explore the structure of HPC systems, understand available resources, and learn practical techniques for navigating and using these environments effectively. The course highlights the differences and similarities among the VSC instances in Ghent and Leuven and the VIB Data Core.
- Describe differences and similarities among HPC Tiers and usage
- Access existing HPC infrastructures in Flanders, such as VSC and VIB Data Core
- Use the different environments in the HPC (storage, analysis, and debug)
- Querying and using modules and their versions in the HPC
- Submit jobs to use software and scripts on the cluster
- Check information about submitted jobs
This course is part of a micro-credential track that helps you strengthen the reproducibility of your research. By completing the full track, you earn a mini-diploma that validates your skills in this essential area of modern science. We combine theoretical sections with demos and hands-on activities.
This course is intended for researchers and professionals who need to work with High Performance Computing environments for data analysis or computational tasks.
Check this opportunity: Reproducible Data Analysis: an essential capability in modern science
Participants must have prior experience using the command line. If you need to refresh these skills, we recommend one of the following before the course: e-learning Linux command, Linux initiation, or this tutorial
This course is part of the learning paths on Bioimaging and Reproducible data analysis.
Trainers
Boris Depoortere
Boris Depoortere is a bioinformatician who has been strengthening the Compute Team of Data Core since November 2023. After his BSc degree in Biochemistry at HOGENT, he went on to combine his interests in information technology and life sciences by pursuing an advanced bachelor's in bioinformatics at HOWEST. This included a fruitful internship at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, where he created and computed a custom genomic workflow on the institute's HPC (UPPMAX).
Currently, Boris works on the VIB Data Core Compute Cluster to improve the overall user experience. He administers the Belgian Galaxy instance (usegalaxy.be), which is hosted on Flemish Supercomputer Centre (VSC) resources. The users of the services he is part of can always count on his unconditional support and devotion to solve problems.
Bruna Piereck
Bruna Piereck is a bioinformatics trainer at VIB and ELIXIR-BE training coordinator deputy. She obtained a Master and PhD degree in Molecular Genetics, with a focus on Bioinformatics from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, in 2019. During her PhD, she had the chance to collaborate with the university of Luxembourg and the McGill university in Quebec Canada for a short time. Ever since she has been involved with teaching and research and Since March 2022, she joined VIB with the mission of teaching and assist other trainers in a variety of topics.
Program
- Introduction
- Accessing in the terminal and on demand
- Interactive sessions (debug and testing)
- Querying and using modules in the HPC
- Submitting and managing jobs
Practical info
07 May 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
07 May 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
07 May 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
07 May 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.