Types of Available Visits
The Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) offers both in-person and virtual options to visit. Possible topics include a general overview of supercomputing or a detailed look at OSC's supercomputers. Details are available below. Simply complete the tour form and someone from OSC will contact you to discuss further.
Topic: General Overview of Supercomputing
Alan Chalker, director of strategic programs, offers a lecture titled "What's so Super About Supercomputing." Attendees discover the field of supercomputing and the real-world applications of the world's fastest, most advanced computers. They learn about Ohio's pioneering supercomputing history and explore how high performance computing can supercharge their future.
A pre-recorded version that was originally presented via Zoom as part of the 2021 OSC Virtual Summer Educational Programs is available here:
Dr. Chalker is also available to give the presentation live (which includes audience interaction) virtually (e.g. using Zoom, Teams, etc.) or in person at OSC's administrative offices (located in the Ohio Technology Consortium building on The Ohio State University's west campus). The presentation can be tailored to fit within time blocks ranging from 45 minutes to 90 minutes and for audiences as young as middle school. OSC's lecture hall can handle a maximum of approximately 80 in-person attendees. OSC prefers to give presentations during normal business hours on weekdays, but on occasion can meet after hours.
Topic: Detailed Look at OSC's Supercomputers
OSC houses its supercomputers at the State of Ohio Computer Center (SOCC) located on the west end of The Ohio State University campus. This facility is the largest state-owned facility of its kind in the Midwest. The state-of-the-art facility provides shared security, climate control and fully redundant electrical and mechanical support systems for a number of Ohio government agencies. The facility contains 360,000 square feet of space including 225,000 square feet of raised floor computer room. OSC currently has approximately 12,000 square feet of space in the facility with total usable power capacity of approximately 1,200 kilowatts.
A virtual interactive tour of the data center is available here:
OSC staff are also available to give in-person tours of the data center. The tour can be tailored to fit within time blocks ranging from 1 hour to 2 hours and for audiences as young as middle school. All tour attendees must go through airport-style security screening to enter the building. OSC's server room can handle a maximum of approximately 15 in-person attendees. OSC prefers to give tours during normal business hours on weekdays, but on occasion can provide after-hours tours.
The OSC Administrative Building
The address of the OSC administrative building is:
Ohio Supercomputer Center
1224 Kinnear Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
Phone: 614-292-9248
Entering the Building
The main entrance doors to OSC are located on the north and west sides of the building.
Please note: All building doors are locked at all times and only accessible to staff and students with a valid ID card.
Please use the north or the west entrance phones to call the person you are here to see. If you know the name and not the phone number of the person you are visiting, then please refer to the directory that is located next to the phone. The staff member will come to the door and escort you into the building.
If the person you are meeting does not answer, please call the OSC main number at (614) 292-9248. A staff person will come to the door and escort you into the building.
Parking
Parking for visitors is located in the west and south lots at 1224 Kinnear Road. Signs in these lots indicate that visitors must have a building parking permit in order to park in these spaces. Upon arrival visitors must obtain a building parking permit from your staff contact and place the permit on the vehicle's dashboard. The parking permits are valid for one day only and do not need to be returned. Please see your meeting coordinator if you have any additional questions about parking.
Maps
Directions to OSC
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From the North
From the South
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From the East
From the West
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