24 July 2024
The Research Data Alliance (RDA) and Microsoft have published two white papers based on expert roundtables held in May and June 2025. These global events brought together researchers, policymakers, funders, and technologists to explore key developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), High-Performance Computing (HPC), and Quantum Computing.
Data Readiness and Data-Centric AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI), powered by data, is rapidly transforming research by accelerating discovery, reshaping methods, and redefining collaboration. Recognising both its promise and challenges, the Research Data Alliance (RDA) and Microsoft convened two global roundtables in May 2025. These virtual global events featured keynotes and breakout sessions with participants from across six continents on three core themes: Data Readiness for AI, AI in Research, and AI Governance.
From HPC to Quantum – Shaping the Future of Research Computing
Quantum computing, High-Performance Computing (HPC), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are forming the backbone of a new era in scientific discovery. To explore the implications of this innovative technology on research, the Research Data Alliance (RDA) and Microsoft organised two global expert roundtables in June 2025 on the topic of “From HPC to Quantum – Shaping the future of research computing”. Through expert keynote speeches and in-depth breakout discussions, researchers, technologists, policy leaders and funders from over 22 countries examined how quantum and HPC are applied in practice, where the most pressing challenges lie, and what actions are needed to ensure these technologies deliver broad and equitable benefit.
Key findings and recommendations
Data Readiness and Data Centric AI
- Develop interdisciplinary AI training programmes to build in-demand skills such as prompt engineering, agentic AI, data preparation, and ethical reasoning.
- Establish clear institutional and publishing guidelines for responsible AI use, transparency, and reproducibility.
- Advocate for human-centred AI strategies to reinforce researcher agency, ensure equitable access, and mitigate automation risks.
- Invest in automated data preparation tools, robust metadata standards, and dedicated stewardship roles to enhance data readiness.
- Support smaller, domain-specific AI models with curated datasets to foster inclusivity, reduce environmental impacts, and improve adaptability.
- Expand secure, privacy-preserving infrastructures such as Trusted Research Environments (TREs) and regulatory sandboxes.
- Mandate rigorous reproducibility practices, transparent dataset bias disclosures, and clear authorship guidelines for AI-generated outputs.
- Enhance global regulatory collaboration and adopt harmonised frameworks like the EU AI Act and UNESCO guidelines.
From HPC to Quantum
- Invest in hybrid HPC, AI, and quantum infrastructure through integrated testbeds and unified, user-friendly software platforms to accelerate discovery.
- Democratise access to advanced computing through cloud computing while addressing the global internet connectivity gap.
- Accelerate the adoption of post-quantum cryptography standards and build institutional “crypto-agility” to counter the security threat related to quantum advancement.
- Form multi-stakeholder teams to consider the societal implications of HPC and quantum projects and embed diverse perspectives by design.
- Bridge the talent gap by integrating quantum and HPC fundamentals and ethics into STEM curricula, expanding interdisciplinary training, and developing user-friendly tools to lower barriers for researchers.
Learn More
For more information on the RDA’s work with Microsoft, and our other outputs relating to Artificial Intelligence, see the RDA Value for AI page.
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RDA and Microsoft White Paper: From HPC to Quantum – Shaping the Future of Research Computing
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