The Linux Clusters Institute (LCI) is currently seeking applications from institutions interested in hosting on-site LCI Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Workshops in April/May 2026, July/August 2026, and September/October 2026 respectively. (These time frames are suggestions, but we are willing to work with host sites that have additional options.) These workshops provide education and technical training for the deployment and use of computing clusters to the high-performance computing community worldwide.
Important Note:
We realize you may have offered to host in the past, but things may have changed and potentially available dates for 2026 will be different. If you are interested in hosting in 2026, please fill out the host form again so that we can catch you with the very freshest information.
Deadlines to submit your host site letter of interest form:
- Introductory Workshop: February 2, 2026
- Intermediate Workshop: April 13, 2026
- Advanced Workshop: July 13, 2026
You can access the LCI Workshops Site Proposals letter of interest form here: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/736950015
Please feel free to forward this to anyone who may be interested and appropriate.
DETAILS:
We are seeking host sites for three workshops: Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced. Dates under consideration include Spring 2026 (April-May), Summer 2026 (July-August), and Fall 2026 (September-October). Host applicants are invited to request workshop dates that work best for them within these windows. LCI will work with the selected host sites to finalize dates.
Note: This will be a two-stage process. If your letter of interest form is accepted, we will soon follow up and ask you to fill out a more detailed host site proposal form regarding meeting room options, catering options, costs, travel/lodging options for participants, etc.
The Introductory and Intermediate workshops are five-day sessions running Monday through Friday (ending at noon). Typical hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Friday. The Advanced workshop is a condensed three-day format running from Monday through Wednesday or Tuesday through Thursday or Wednesday through Friday (least preferred), 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Sample INTRODUCTORY Workshop Agenda:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IVPUD0KUJLdDbhRyq-snWAbcnhKT9qL7/view?usp=sharing
Sample INTERMEDIATE Workshop Agenda:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wVDcRHBaUqx2KX9uh8l179kiGd6-Zdpl/view?usp=sharing
Host sites are responsible for:
- Arranging workshop spaces, meal spaces, lodging, etc.;
- Identifying catering options and costs for breakfast, midmorning snack, lunch and midafternoon snack (dinners won’t be provided by the workshop)
- Co-leading the planning of the event (as part of the workshop organizing committee);
- Helping us to publicize the workshop;
- Helping to identify instructors (while not required, it is preferred that the host site is able to provide instructors from their local area to help save on travel costs) as well as qualified people who can serve as assistants as needed during the hands-on/lab portions of the workshop;
- Coordinating with instructors and other workshop personnel (some of whom may be from other institutions);
- Conducting the workshop onsite;
- Providing lightweight reporting about the workshop back to the LCI.
The host institution will be reimbursed by LCI for any costs incurred (catering, room rental fees, supplies, etc.).
While the situation with COVID appears to be improving across the country, should conditions deteriorate, LCI may have no choice but to cancel the workshops. Host sites should be prepared for workshop cancellation and make appropriate plans and contingencies for non-refundable costs. If this happens, LCI will work with the host site to ensure the workshop is canceled in a timely manner to avoid such costs if possible.
Please note that hosting an LCI workshop requires a significant amount of time and effort, so it would help if someone at your institution has experience coordinating events like these.
Hosting an LCI Workshop is a rewarding experience and allows HPC system administrators in your local area the opportunity to participate in a high-quality training experience without incurring travel costs.
If you have questions, contact Jason Mierek at mierek@illinois.edu. We look forward to receiving your application!
Best regards,
Linux Clusters Institute (LCI) Steering Committee