Sustainable Reality
HPC & AI Showcase FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page. Here you will find all the general information about the Sustainable Reality.
You can view the current subjects here, or if you require any assistance, please feel free to contact us.
FAQ Subjects
What is Sustainable Reality?
This year, Sustainable Reality is a one-day, hands-on event designed to introduce students, educators, and researchers to High-Performance Computing (HPC), AI, and the communities that support them. Unlike in the past, where we held only one event, we are bringing our event to universities around the UK!
Each event combines interactive activities, real equipment demonstrations, community discussions, and a Mini-Cluster Challenge, a team-based activity that explores the trade-offs involved in designing and operating modern computing systems.
Who can attend?
This event is designed for:
- Students
- Educators and academic staff
- Research computing and technical teams
- Researchers interested in HPC and AI
- Department leaders and programme coordinators
No prior HPC experience is required.
Do participants need any technical experience?
No.
The activities are designed to be accessible to those encountering HPC and AI for the first time, while still creating opportunities for discussion and learning among more experienced participants.
We bring the equipment, activities, and expertise. Participants bring their curiosity.
What happens during the day?
A typical event may include:
- Introduction to HPC and AI
- Hands-on equipment demonstrations
- Interactive Cluster Mini-Challenge activities
- Discussions around skills, careers, and future opportunities
- Community networking and Q&A
The exact programme can be adapted to suit the host institution.
Is this only for students interested in computer science?
Not at all.
HPC and AI are increasingly used across disciplines including engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, life sciences, environmental science, social science, digital humanities, and many others.
We encourage participation from a broad range of academic backgrounds.
How does this relate to the CIUK Student Cluster Challenge?
Sustainable Reality provides an introduction to the skills, technologies, and teamwork involved in cluster competitions.
Participants interested in future Student Cluster Challenge activities will have the opportunity to learn more about how the competition works and how teams are formed.
Participation in these events does not require participation in the competition.
What does a host institution need to provide?
We typically ask host institutions to provide:
- An appropriate teaching or event space
- Support promoting the event locally
- Assistance identifying interested students and staff
Alces Flight provides the activities, materials, and equipment demonstrations.
When will these events take place?
We are currently exploring dates during September 2026.
We have chosen September as, based on conversations educators and students, this month provides an opportunity to engage students early in the academic year, introduce HPC and AI concepts before major project commitments begin, and create pathways into future community and competition activities.
Additional dates may be added based on interest and availability.
How long does an event last?
Each Sustainable Reality event is expected to run for approximately one day, although formats may be adapted to meet local requirements.
How much does it cost to host?
Our intention is to bring this event at low to no cost for interested institutions.
Investment is likely dependent on the institution and circumstances. We would be happy to discuss this with you directly. Please register your interest so we can arrange a conversation.
How do I express interest in hosting, attending or supporting?
If you are interested in hosting, supporting, or participating in Sustainable Reality, please complete the expression of interest form, and a member of the team will be in touch.