SUMMARY
The DOE SC program in Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) hereby announces its interest in basic research in computer science exploring innovative approaches in data visualization to support scientific discovery, decision-making, and communication.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Visualization of data is a powerful means of communication and is essential to the scientific process; allowing us to explore data, form hypotheses, and convey conclusions to a broad spectrum of audiences. This is especially true in the team based, cross-disciplinary environment of the many cutting-edge, large-scale projects funded by the Department of Energy (DOE).
The need for focused investments in technical advancements in visualization for high-performance computing has occurred due to multiple factors. Some of these include the increasing complexity of data, the visualization of uncertainty beyond two-dimensions, the proliferation of new visualization technologies, and the need to make decisions at the edge. Moreover, the need for human centric and interoperable design in visualization tools for scientific computing and simulations is key to avoiding bespoke solutions that limit the engagement of a broader range of domain scientists.
It is also recognized that there is an increasing demand for intuitive visualization that can communicate complex relations not just to scientists across domains, but also policy makers and the public writ large. Visualization is one of the most powerful ways to communicate complex ideas, concepts, and decisions across domains, educational backgrounds, or cultures. There is a need for underrepresented communities to be provided equitable access to information (such as weather patterns in climate change, public health data related to pandemics, etc.), not just to strengthen the scientific discourse, but so that the public can understand the data that policy suggestions or decisions are made upon. Tools and novel techniques in data visualization are needed to help address these issues.
Priority Research Directions
Accordingly, the ASCR Workshop on the Visualization for Scientific Discovery, Decision-Making, and Communication was held in January of 2022 to determine opportunities and challenges in visualization tools for scientific computing, with focus on DOE-relevant application areas. Building on the outcomes of the prior community activity, and aligned with needs highlighted by interagency planning, the three following important priority research directions (PRDs) were identified:
1. Advancing theory and techniques for visualization to support the analysis and understanding of complex scientific data
2. Introducing interoperable and adaptable visualization to support diverse scientific workflows across all scales.
3. Harnessing technology innovations to accelerate science through visualization.
Each pre-application and application submitted in response to this FOA must address at least one of the PRDs described above. Additionally, submissions that can combine one or more of the following research themes with one or more of the three PRDs above are highly encouraged:
4. Improving equity in accessing and engaging with scientific data and processes.
5. Developing intelligent approaches for adaptive, context aware visualization of scientific data and artificial intelligence (AI).
If you intend to submit complete the notification form in the InfoReady Portal to provide your contact information and the title and brief description of your project.
Questions concerning the limited submissions process may be submitted to limitedsubs@psu.edu.