D4.3: Selection and Launch of PRACE Training Centres

This deliverable describes the selection and launch of four PRACE Training Centres (PTCs) in 2017, as part of the PRACE-5IP project. The selected PTCs are represented by IT4I (Czech Rep.), GRNET (Greece), ICHEC (Ireland) and SURFsara (The Netherlands). The PTCs build upon the success of the PRACE Advanced Training Centres (PATCs), offering a yearly joint programme of courses to widen the reach of PRACE training. Based on PATC procedures (course organisation, dissemination and formation of an annual programme), each PTC organises courses representing 9 training days per year (compared to ~35 training days per year for PATCs) and may focus on subject areas that may be of particular relevance or interest to industry and/or the research communities of the local and surrounding regions, i.e. less emphasis on advanced courses and/or offer courses that complement the PATC training programme.
The deliverable also provides some background insight into the conception of the PTCs that arose out of an assessment of PATC activities and subsequently the derivation of the PTCs’ scope, operations and management. Selection of the four PTCs via a call for hosts in the early stage of the PRACE-5IP project was carried out according to approved processes and evaluation criteria. The four PTCs have since launched successfully, with the pilot PTC programme for 2017-18 in place and delivery of courses under way.