The Distributed Development of Grid Infrastructure for the LHC@CERN

	CCT Colloquium Series
	The Distributed Development of Grid Infrastructure for the LHC@CERN
	Will Venters, London School of Economics and Political Sciences

	Johnston Hall 338 May 02, 2008 - 11:30 am
Abstract: When the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particle accelerator at CERN begins colliding particles later this year the data produced will be analysed using the LCG Grid. This Grid has been constructed through an interdisciplinary and international project led by particle physicists at the LHC. This lecture will describe a qualitative study (www.pegasusresearch.org.uk) of the working practices of those involved in this Grid development. The study considers this effort as influenced by the working practices of the physics community developing tools to support its research, as much as the outcome of an objective or rational design process. The lecture will outline the project, discussing in particular the improvised and Jazz-like way in which this Grid has been developed. It will describe research outlining how the physics work practices and perception of the Grid ultimately shapes the technology, and how the Grid shapes physicists working practices. The lecture will discuss lessons this research may offer for others involved in Grid infrastructure development and Grid administration.

Speaker's Bio: Dr Will Venters is a lecturer in Information Systems at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences. He holds a BSc in Computer Science and PhD in Information Systems. His research interests lie in using social science techniques to study how ICT shapes, and is shaped by, emerging work practices and new types of organization. In particular he focuses on the how global ICT infrastructures are developed. He has published research on a range of issues including the development of knowledge management systems within global multinationals, and the use of ICT by the construction industry.

CENTER FOR COMPUTATION & TECHNOLOGY

Interdisciplinary | Innovative | Inventive

Events