Bristol Centre for Supercomputing
Advancing research and discovery with high-performance computing
A hub for advanced research technologies
Led by the University of Bristol, the Bristol Centre for Supercomputing builds on the University's expertise in high performance computing, establishing the centre as a leading host for some of the UK’s most sophisticated supercomputers.
With a strong history in AI research, the centre attracted a £225 million UK government investment to develop Isambard-AI, a dedicated AI research supercomputer. Poised to rank among the world’s top 10 supercomputers, Isambard-AI will position the UK as a global leader in AI.
The centre is also home to Isambard 3, a world-class supercomputer, offering over six times the performance of its predecessor, Isambard 2. Built for more traditional computation, Isambard 3 will focus on research in a wide range of areas like clean energy and health.

Isambard-AI
Isambard-AI is the UK’s fastest and most powerful supercomputer, purpose-built for AI research. Designed to provide open-source intelligence, it is transforming research and driving AI-led breakthroughs in critical areas like automated drug discovery and climate research.
Ranked 11th most powerful in the world, 6th most powerful in Europe and 4th greenest in the world, Isambard-AI is able to process in one second what it would take the entire global population 80 years to achieve.
Isambard-AI is a critical part of the AI Research Resource (AIRR), enabling researchers from the UK and across the globe to accelerate their research projects for the benefit of all. Built for breakthroughs, powered by people.
Isambard 3
The fully operational Isambard 3 is one of the UK's most powerful CPU-based supercomputers, boasting over 55,000 cores and delivering six times the performance of its predecessor, Isambard 2.
It leverages novel technologies including the Arm® Neoverse™-based NVIDIA Grace CPU Superchip, has an expanded storage system to support data-intensive workloads, and is set to support research in diverse fields such as clean energy and medicine.
Isambard 3 is located at the National Composites Centre site alongside Isambard-AI, and shares sustainable qualities, including advanced cooling methods and the ability to recover and reuse waste energy.

Articles
Powered by People series: Understanding diseases
'We needed the power of Isambard-AI - without it, we wouldn't be doing the project.'
UK's fastest supercomputer launches in Bristol
Isambard-AI launched by Rt Hon Peter Kyle, Secretary of State.
Lifting the lid on Isambard-AI
5440 NVIDIA GH200s deliver over 21 ExaFLOP/s when running at 8-bit for cutting edge AI workloads.
Optimising the UK’s fastest supercomputer for AI
Powering AI progress requires more than smart algorithms, it demands serious computing capability
Useful links
Documentation
The primary source of information about all BriCS facilities and services
Jobs
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Technical specification
Discover the features and functions of Isambard-AI
Apply for time
Isambard 3
The national call for Isambard 3 is run through UKRI. This is open to all researchers throughout the UK via the button below.
The University of Bristol runs an internal process for applying for time on Isambard 3
Isambard-AI
The national call for Isambard-AI is run through UKRI. This is open to all researchers throughout the UK via the button below.
The University of Bristol runs an internal process for applying for time on Isambard-AI
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Have a general query or want to talk to us about how you can engage with our facilities for your research? Contact us today.