FY 2000 NERSC Allocation Process

For information on how to apply for time at NERSC see Energy Research Computing Allocation Process.

On 22 February 1999 the U.S. Department of Energy announced a new policy of broader scientific peer review for the use of its largest unclassified scientific computing facility, the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC). To advance the role of computing in DOE's scientific research programs, the department will also establish a new Policy Board to help chart the future of the facility.

This new policy helps ensure that NERSC remains a national leader in using high performance computing as a tool for scientific discovery. As proposals are submitted, they are subjected to peer review to evaluate: the quality of science; how well the proposed research is aligned with the mission of DOE's Office of Science; and the readiness of the specific application and applicant to fully utilize the computing resources being requested.

The NERSC Program Advisory Committee (PAC) is responsible for the scientific peer review process for proposals to access the facility's computers. This new process is used to allocate 40 percent of NERSC's computing resources. The peer review and resource allocation process for the remaining 60 percent of NERSC's computing resources are managed directly by the programs in the department's Office of Science, reflecting their mission priorities.

See the PAC reviewers.

The new policy is also expected to foster "start-up" or special projects that show promise. These are one-time allocations aimed at helping new projects get started, with a goal of applying for more time on NERSC's computers the following fiscal year.

The following documents describe the new allocation process.

NERSC: Leading Scientific Simulation and Modeling into the 21st Century

Scientific Policy Guidance and Resource Allocation for NERSC

Implementation Plan for the New Allocation Process at NERSC

Detailed Plan for the New Allocation Process at NERSC

Press Release: Energy Department to Broaden Peer Review for Use of NERSC