High-performance computing (HPC) and big data management are important tools in modelling complex dynamic systems studied in astronomy and cosmology. Their implementation is crucial for astrophysics and astroparticle physics, from the reduction and analysis of astronomical data to their interpretation and the creation of theoretical and predictive models. The new generation of telescopes and space observation instruments – i.e., the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), the Euclid e WFIRST satellites, the LSPE ball experiment, the LiteBIRD, DAMPE, Fermi HERD experiments, the Einstein Telescope – will exponentially produce larger amounts of data than its predecessors had ever done before and will require new resources to process, analyse and file them.

Spoke 3 is aimed at developing software and application systems that can make the most of cutting-edge HPC technologies and big data filing solutions, in order to reach goals of excellence in astronomy, high-energy astrophysics, astroparticle physics and cosmology.  In addition, Spoke 3 will facilitate the creation of a community of researchers and experts in the development of new IT solutions, capable of designing innovative computing solutions aimed at supporting and enhancing scientific communities in astronomy, astrophysics and astroparticle physics.