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Institute for Logic, Language and Computation

News and Events: Upcoming Events

(New) 1 - 2 May 2025, Symposium on the occasion of Henri Bal's retirement

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Date: 1 - 2 May 2025
Time: 10:00-17:00
Location: VU Campus, NU building, Theater 3

You are warmly invited to attend the symposium on the occasion of prof. Henri Bal's retirement!

For decades, prof. Bal served as one of the most visible authorities in high-performance computing (HPC) in the Netherlands and abroad. His work for ASCI (the national graduate school on computing and imaging) and for the different versions of the DAS clusters has benefitted generations of graduate students and faculty alike. Moreover, he has made countless contributions in high-performance computing applied to various fields, which range from astrophysics to AI. His calm and disciplined leadership both at the university level and beyond, served as an example for many of us.

Prof. Bal was one of the first professors in computer science at VU and played a key role in shaping the department into what it is today. For the many of us who have only known the computer science department at VU with him, it may be hard to imagine, but now he's retiring!

In recognition of the important role Henri played in the history of research on computing in the Netherlands, the VU Computer Science Department is organizing a (free-of-charge) two-day symposium. 

Day 1 discusses the role of HPC in the roaring 20s, a time where computing research plays a crucial role in AI, sustainability, and many other topics of vital importance.

HPC & The Roaring 20s of Computing – Computer Systems

  • When: May 1st, 2025, 10:00 – 17:00
  • Where: VU Campus, NU building, Theater 3 (click here for directions)
  • Topic: HPC & The Roaring 20s of Computing (click here for full program and registration)

Day 2 commemorates Prof. Bal's time at VU. Speakers will discuss the early days of computing research in the Netherlands, Henri's years as a PhD student, young faculty and finally research leader of world renown.

  • When: May 2nd, 2025, 10:00 – 17:00
  • Where: VU Campus, NU building, Theater 3 (click here for directions)

We hope to see you all there and help us both discuss the future of HPC and thank Henri for all he has done for computer science in the Netherlands. Registration is required so we know what is required in terms of catering, but otherwise free. Please use this link.


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