BinAC2 - Cluster for Bioinformatics, Astrophysics and Geosciences

The bwForCluster BinAC2 provides dedicated high-performance computing resources for the bioinformatics, astrophysics, and geosciences research communities in Baden-Württemberg [1]. Operated by the University of Tübingen IT Center, BinAC2 is embedded within the state-wide bwHPC-S5 project, which supports the implementation concept for High Performance Computing (HPC), Data Intensive Computing (DIC), and Large Scale Scientific Data Management (LS² DM) across Baden-Württemberg universities [1].

Infrastructure and Hardware

BinAC2 consists of 180 standard compute nodes, 16 high-memory nodes for memory-intensive tasks, and GPUs including 32 NVIDIA A30, 8 A100, and 5 H200 nodes. The cluster utilizes 100 GbE Ethernet connectivity with InfiniBand available on select nodes for high-throughput communications. Job scheduling is managed through Slurm, while the Lustre file system enables efficient parallel I/O operations.

Data Management and Software Environment

BinAC2 implements a tiered storage architecture, enabling users to manage their data between a fast SSD-based file system for active computations and a slower HDD-based project storage system. This project storage allows research groups fine-grained control over data access and organization. Software provisioning is streamlined through hardware-optimized environment modules and Apptainer container images, supporting reproducibility. BinAC2 supports interactive computing and data visualization through VNC sessions and offers seamless parallel workflow execution via Nextflow with a dedicated cluster profile.

User Support and Authentication

Integrated into the state-wide Baden-Württemberg Identity Management (bwIDM) system, BinAC2 provides secure and unified access for researchers across the state. The cluster features proactive performance monitoring of user jobs, enabling the support team to identify and assist with inefficient resource utilization. Regular training courses are offered to onboard new users and maximize effective cluster usage.

Competence and Community

A key strength of BinAC2 is its tight coupling with the bwHPC Competence Centers for Bioinformatics and Astrophysics, as well as the Geosciences Competence Center. This unique integration ensures researchers receive not only technical HPC support but also domain-specific scientific expertise, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and research excellence throughout Baden-Württemberg.

[1] https://wiki.bwhpc.de/e/BinAC2
[2] Schneider, G., Heuveline, V., Horstmann, K.-W., Neumair, B., Hätscher, P., Kolbitsch, J., Rehm, S., Resch, M., Walter, T., Wesner, S., & Castellaz, P. (2019). Umsetzungskonzept der Universitäten des Landes Baden-Württemberg für das High Performance Computing (HPC), Data Intensive Computing (DIC) und Large Scale Scientific Data Management (LS² DM). Universität Tübingen. https://doi.org/10.15496/publikation-27872