Preface

Abstract

The fields of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and plasma physics might appear esoteric at first glance, but dig a little deeper, and one realizes that many of the most fundamental challenges facing mankind are underpinned by these processes. Examples range from the design of controlled thermonuclear fusion reactors as an ecologically-friendly approach to renewable energy, to tornado and vortex generation from a climate science perspective, and all the way to understanding the origin of the chemical elements within the hearts of dying stars. The breadth of these applications, the algorithm development required to model such processes, and the associated Big Data analysis tools, are inexorably linked and contribute to the philosophy of this year’s MHD and Plasma Physics Workshop. Our goal in organizing the 3rd in this series of Workshops has been to provide opportunities for these apparently disparate communities to both highlight their recent developments and discuss the future of algorithm co-design optimized for accuracy, scalability, and efficiency. This year, we have all worked and lived with the daily threat of Covid19; the need for social distancing and relative isolation has impacted upon the familiar and fundamental nature of conferences. Regardless, such interactions are the lifeblood of our respective communities, and so we made the decision to proceed with the Workshop, bring participants together from around the world through a digital platform.