High performance computing on the Vlaamse SuperComputer
High performance computing on the Vlaamse SuperComputer
20 January 2026, 13h30-17h30
General context
Large-scale data analysis and complex computations often exceed the limits of standard computing resources. This introductory training equips you with the fundamental skills needed to work on the High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster of the Vlaamse Supercomputer Center (VSC). You will learn how to efficiently access and utilize HPC environments for data-intensive tasks, enabling you to take full advantage of advanced computing resources. By the end, you will be confident in navigating HPC systems and running jobs on the cluster.
- Access existing HPC infrastructures in Flanders
- Transfer data to and from the compute cluster.
- Submit jobs to run software and scripts (e.g., Python scripts) on the compute cluster
- Set up a software environment on the compute cluster
The training combines short explanations with hands-on exercises on accessing, uploading data, and submitting jobs on the VSC. As an example analysis, you will use Slurm to BLAST protein sequences on VSC Leuven.
This course is intended for researchers and professionals who need to work with High Performance Computing environments for data analysis or computational tasks. It may be required for certain courses that use an HPC instance.
Participants must have prior experience using the command line. If you need to refresh these skills, we recommend following the Linux command line course.
Trainers
Janick Mathys
Janick tries to help VIB scientists analyze their data by offering bioinformatics training and support. Next to organizing trainings, creating e-learning courses and teaching statistics, R, Python, Linux, HPC, bulk and single cell RNA-Seq analysis, she consults scientists and develops pipelines for omics analyses. Before joining VIB, she worked as a post-doc at KULeuven, doing research on transcriptomics and transcription regulation. She coordinated the Master of Bioinformatics program of KULeuven and taught the course on Biological Databases.
Practical info
20 January 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
20 January 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.
20 January 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.
20 January 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.