Since 2006 the Scientific Computing Laboratory has been recognized as a EU Centre of Excellence for modeling of complex systems. Its researchers use state-of-the-art High Performance Computing resources to conduct numerical simulations and visualizations of classical and quantum many-body systems. The main research topics covered include numerical evaluation of path integrals, study of strongly correlated quantum systems, investigation of granular compaction, and modeling of transport in nano-porous materials.

SCL-IPB has decisively increased the quality and impact of its research effort, and has grown into a recognized leader in HPC in South East Europe. During this time SCL-IPB has been partner in Europe’s flagship e-Infrastructure projects EGEE II, EGEE III, and this continues in PRACE and EGI-INSPIRE. The laboratory has been extremely active at the regional level in SEE-GRID, SEE-GRID-2, SEE-GRID-SCI, and the new HP-SEE project. The research on complex materials is principally funded through a seven-year National research grant ON141035, and EU Centre of Excellence grant CX-CMCS. Specific SCL-IPB activities are funded through a NATO reintegration grant, a Swiss SCOPES project, and several bilateral projects. Outreach to education has been conducted through the LA@CERN project.

In the past four years the number of senior researchers employed at SCL-IPB has grown from 5 to 8 (1 promoted, 2 reintegrated from abroad). During the same period the laboratory recruited 23 new PhD students and trainees. So far these have successfully defended 1 PhD, 2 MSc, and 6 BSc theses. Active participation in international projects and collaboration has made it possible for SCL-IPB to conduct extensive researcher mobility, particularly for its younger researchers. Five students have benefited from long-term missions in France, Slovenia, and Switzerland.