MHPC is designed for students and young researchers who want to deepen their expertise in computational science and high performance computing within a highly international scientific environment. The programme combines strong academic foundations, hands-on experimentation and close contact with the research ecosystem of Trieste, offering participants a focused and selective experience that bridges theory, advanced infrastructures and applied computational challenges. It is particularly suited to those looking for a programme that is rigorous, compact and closely connected to real scientific and technological needs.
High performance computing plays a crucial role in many fields of science and technology, from climate modelling and astrophysics to artificial intelligence, finance and engineering. The growing complexity of scientific simulations, large datasets and advanced modelling workflows requires specialists who can work effectively with parallel systems, efficient algorithms and data-intensive applications. Choosing MHPC means entering a field where advanced computational skills are increasingly central to innovation.
Studying in Trieste means becoming part of a vibrant international scientific ecosystem that includes universities, research centres and advanced technology institutions. The city hosts one of the highest concentrations of researchers in Europe and offers numerous opportunities for scientific exchange and collaboration. Participants benefit not only from the programme itself, but also from the broader scientific network connected to SISSA, ICTP and other institutions in the area.
The MHPC programme is fully taught in English and attracts students from many different countries and academic backgrounds. Throughout the programme, students interact with internationally recognised researchers, visiting scientists and professionals working in high performance computing and related fields. This diversity enriches both the academic experience and the professional network participants can build during the year.
The programme offers much more than a structured academic curriculum. Thanks to the collaboration between SISSA, ICTP and the many research institutions located in Trieste, participants benefit from a unique environment for scientific exchange and professional development. Students are encouraged to attend seminars, interact with visiting researchers and engage with scientists working in different areas of computational science. Informal discussions, workshops and scientific events provide valuable occasions to broaden perspectives, expand knowledge and develop professional connections within the international HPC community.
Graduates of the MHPC programme develop highly specialised computational skills that are increasingly in demand in both research and industry. Typical career paths include research institutions and universities, supercomputing centres and scientific infrastructures, technology companies and high-performance computing industries, data science and advanced analytics, and software development for scientific and engineering applications. Data from the first editions of the programme show that almost all MHPC graduates find employment in the HPC field within 12 months of completing the programme. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in computational science and related disciplines.
High performance computing is used across a wide range of industries where simulation, data analysis and optimisation are critical.
Key application areas include:
- Science & Research
simulation and modelling for computational chemistry,
materials science, molecular dynamics, plasma physics, fusion,
geophysics, seismology, bioinformatics, particle physics, climate
science, astrophysics, and large-scale scientific data analysis - Healthcare & Life Sciences Drug discovery, genome sequencing, medical simulations, personalised medicine
- Industry & Engineering Product design, fluid dynamics, materials simulation, optimisation
- Finance & Data-driven systems Risk analysis, trading systems, fraud detection, predictive modelling
- Media & Digital technologies Visual effects, rendering, AI-generated content, large-scale data processing