The passage from atom, molecule, and nanoparticle to bulk matter has emerged as the natural continuum requiring fundamental understanding based on Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Atomic lasers, molecular computers, drug-receptor interactions, industrial catalysts, lubricants, and industrially important materials form part of this continuum and an understanding of this evolution needs all the three components of research, viz. theory, experiment and computation.
Thus computer-based simulations form an integral part of modern research methodology. For example, the design of the best carbon particle size in Tribology involves as much computing as basic science and engineering. In this era of science-driven-engineering, the role of scientific research, based on modeling, simulation and design, is of paramount importance. Countries and Institutions across the world are gearing up to avail the challenging opportunities provided by this new tool. The primary requisite in using the third avenue of research for solving complex problems is a working, state-of-the-art High Performance Computing (HPC) center. The University of Hyderabad, having expertise in many of the above areas, fully appreciates the inter-dependence of Science, Engineering and Technology, and has launched a uniquely conceived new programme of higher education and research. The need for computation in all areas of research and teaching at the University had been felt for long. Professor P. Rama Rao (Former Vice-Chancellor) spearheaded this idea into a viable proposal. This initiative has been supported by an imaginative programme of the UGC in recognizing some Universities for their potential for excellence. Of the five Universities selected so far under the scheme, the University of Hyderabad has already proposed, and got approval for, an innovative interfacial studies and research programme with a substantial funding. The UGC approved establishment of the Center for Modeling, Simulation and Design (CMSD) which was fuelled further by generous support from DST under its FIST programme. CMSD hopes to nurture cross-disciplinary bridges, which are effective in generating new knowledge and creative explorations. The human resources generated from such efforts will be invaluable. Expertise thus developed would help in reaching out to other research organizations and industry. Training individuals and organizations in specific hardware and software, undertaking consultancy and turnkey projects, helping to convert real life questions into appropriate mathematical and computational models are expected outcome. CMSD became operational from its new premises during December 2004.