Presentations + Insights
Sustainable Reality
Event Insights
In 2025, Sustainable Reality brought together researchers, engineers, and industry leaders to explore the theme Catalysts for Change.
Throughout the day, conversations spanned High-Performance Computing (HPC), AI infrastructure, research computing, and advanced computing, examining the wider factors that shape progress: operational excellence, access, skills, sustainability, trust, and the ability to turn technical capability into meaningful outcomes.
This section builds on those discussions through speaker presentations, reflections, and insights.
Lessons From the Edge
What we’ve learnt with scaling data centre heat re-use
What if the next supercomputer could become a helpful neighbour?
Modern computing infrastructure has been built on a powerful assumption.
If demand increases, we scale. More compute, more storage, more capability. Systems expand to meet the needs placed on them.
For years, that model has worked. At SR25, Mark Bjornsgaard from Deep Green outlined why that assumption can now be challenged. What if instead of bigger, we went smarter…and smaller?
Compilers, Creatives, and Collaboration
What HPC can learn from DJs and Game Devs
What does a 1996 gaming machine have to do with modern AI and HPC?
Innovation does not always begin with formal research programmes or carefully scoped product plans.
For Perry Gibson of Fractile, it often starts with small experiments that quickly test ideas, explore unfamiliar tools, and challenge established ways of thinking.
Through a series of recent creative side projects (including that game console), Perry shares how curiosity, rapid experimentation, and hands-on problem solving can uncover new approaches to AI chip design.
Reflections of a Technology Recruiter
Insights for job seekers and hiring managers
What happens when hiring decisions shape far more than headcount?
Hiring decisions shape delivery speed, team cohesion, technical direction, and the ability to grow over time. Few choices influence an organisation more consistently than deciding who joins it.
For Hiring Consultant and Recruiter John Fergusson, strong hiring begins long before interviews start. It depends on clear thinking about what a role requires, how success will be measured, and which qualities matter most to the wider team.
In his Sustainable Reality session, John explored how organisations can improve decision quality in recruitment by defining roles carefully, assessing fit thoughtfully, and avoiding mistakes that create long-term drag.
Green Computing Initiatives
UKRI and Beyond
What helps good opportunities become visible?
Across many research and innovation environments, institutions already offer significant opportunities. Funding routes support new work, collaboration networks connect partners, support programmes help organisations grow, and communities already contribute valuable work.
Yet many of these opportunities remain difficult to see from the outside.
At Sustainable Reality, Dawn Geatches explored the wider ecosystem surrounding advanced computing and innovation. Drawing on examples from her work with UKRI and Innovate UK, she highlighted an important practical reality: progress depends not only on creating new opportunities, but also on helping people find the opportunities that already exist.
Want to see more?
Each year has brought new conversations across advanced computing, innovation, and community.
More from this year’s gathering is on the way. Until then, you can revisit our 2023 and 2024 series events below.