About the Laboratory

The Laboratory of Computational Physics (LCP) is a world-class centre for solving fundamental scientific problems in the fields of supercomputer modelling and machine learning in the natural sciences. The LCP was established in 2023 at MIEM.

The LCP's primary goal is to conduct interdisciplinary research and implement organisational measures to create a platform at MIEM for its transformation into a full-fledged centre for computational physics, capable of becoming a world leader in supercomputer modelling, materials science, quantum computing, and the application of artificial intelligence methods to big data analysis in various fields of the natural sciences. The LCP's research approach is based on the methods, algorithms, and concepts of mathematical physics. The team has completed the preparatory work to create the scientific and organisational prerequisites for achieving this goal:

— Long-term specialised training was provided through a joint department with the Computing Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Computer Science and Control Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Master's programme in Supercomputer Modelling in Science and Engineering, and master classes by leading experts from the UK, France, Italy, and Israel.

— Continuing education for undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty was organised through regular research seminars and the establishment of domestic and international contacts through individual visits by Russian and foreign scientists, their presentations at seminars, and international conferences on the topics of ‘Computer Modelling in Physics and Beyond’ and ‘Supercomputer Modelling in Science and Engineering.’

— Organisational work was carried out to create a supercomputer complex at HSE University, regular ‘Computing Environments’ seminars were organised, and a monthly HSE seminar was held on high-performance computing and attended by leading specialists from virtually all supercomputer centres in Russia.

— HSE trains highly qualified graduates who participate in research and teaching. Particular attention is paid to continuous education in the bachelor's-master's-doctoral-dissertation programme, under which one doctoral dissertation defence took place in 2020 and four took place in 2023. This work is based on project work, research seminars, and individual research with students. Early-career PhD candidates also participate in HSE research and teaching.

The laboratory employs four doctors of science, six candidates of science, and two PhDs, more than half of whom are early-career specialists. The laboratory also employs four postgraduate students and ten master's and bachelor's students.

Current research covers topics such as modelling complex systems on supercomputers, computer vision and machine learning in materials science, materials design using artificial intelligence, machine learning in statistical physics, fracture processes on nanoporous surfaces, modelling the hydrodynamics of cyber-physical systems, software development for supercomputers, machine learning in endovascular surgery, quantum computing, and much more.

Much of the research is conducted in collaboration with experimentalists. Work is underway to establish mirror laboratories.

Organisations with which research has been conducted and published include the Computer Science and Control Federal Research Centre (Russian Academy of Sciences), the Institute of Solid State Physics (RAS), the Institute of Solution Chemistry (RAS), the Institute of Applied Mathematics (RAS), MISIS, Yaroslavl State University, Omsk State University, Element Six GmbH, and the K+31 Medical Clinic.

The work to develop supercomputer centres at HSE and throughout Russia is socially significant, given the significant shift in scientific research toward the real sector of the economy.