The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that its upcoming supercomputer, named “Doudna,” will utilize cutting-edge technology from Nvidia and Dell. The system, expected to be operational by 2026, will be housed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California. It is named after Nobel Prize-winning scientist Jennifer Doudna, who played a pivotal role in the development of CRISPR gene-editing technologies.
Technology Behind Doudna
At an event held at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, officials revealed that the Doudna supercomputer will feature Nvidia’s advanced “Vera Rubin” chips integrated into liquid-cooled servers provided by Dell. This system is designed to support over 11,000 researchers, aiding in a variety of scientific fields from chemistry and physics to biology.
Impact on Scientific Discovery
Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasized that the Doudna supercomputer would significantly advance scientific discovery. He noted that the system will be essential in expanding research capabilities, much like how early CRISPR work was supported by the DOE’s supercomputers. Doudna herself highlighted the intersection of biology and computing as a major milestone in scientific progress.
DOE’s Role in National Security
The DOE’s supercomputers are not only pivotal for academic research but also play a critical role in maintaining the U.S. nuclear weapons arsenal. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stressed the importance of these supercomputers, stating that they serve as a cornerstone for both national security and the country’s economic and technological leadership.
Export Controls and National Security Concerns
Huang’s remarks came amid growing concerns about export controls on Nvidia’s chips to China, a matter that has cost the company billions in lost revenue. U.S. senators, including Jim Banks and Elizabeth Warren, raised national security concerns regarding Nvidia’s plan to open a research and development facility in Shanghai. Senator Tom Cotton warned that circumventing U.S. export controls would have serious national security implications.
