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ALASTAIR BASDEN
WHO I AM
I am the technical manager for the COSMA High Performance Computing system. This means that I oversee its daily operation, plan for future capabilities, and take decisions to aid usability. The COSmology MAchine (COSMA) has been in existance since the early 21st Century, and is now a node of the Tier-1 DiRAC facility funded by the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It is primarily used for large cosmological simulations. Previously, I have been an instrument scientist developing technologies for ground and space based telescopes, principally within the field of adaptive optics.
My publications on Google Scholar
My CV (available on request)
STUFF I DO
I manage the COSMA HPC system.
COSMA
I am the technical manager of COSMA. COSMA is a tier-1 HPC facility will suited for cosmological simulations, having a large RAM footprint, and a world-leading fast scratch storage capability.
DIRAC
DiRAC is the STFC facility for computational research, with facilities based at four sites including Durham (DiRAC). I lead a number of DiRAC projects including hierarchical storage management and inter-site connectivity.
TECH
I am actively involved with evaluation of new technologies useful for HPC, working alongside industry and academia to match technologies to their uses. Examples have included novel interconnects, novel processor architectures and long-term storage facilities.
OUTREACH
I am a member of the Durham portable planetarium team, and regularly visit local schools and community groups.
BEYOND WORK
I am a father with 2 children and a wonderful wife. I am a Christian attending a local church. I am a Scout leader.