Conference

Advanced Computing User Day

The day for users from the advanced computing community in research and business. The third edition will take place on 4 December 2025 in the Jaarbeurs, Utrecht. Learn from other users, hear latest developments, gain inspiration, and connect with like-minded professionals from the research and business fields.

Valeriu Codreanu at the stage of ACUD
Supernova, Jaarbeurs Utrecht. Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521 AL Utrecht

SURF and EuroCC Netherlands invite you to the Advanced Computing User Day! On 4 December 2025 we bring together users, leading experts and entrepreneurs from the advanced computing community for a day of inspiring talks, workshops and valuable networking opportunities.

For whom?

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out in the world of advanced computing, Advanced Computing User Day offers you the chance to learn from other users, gain inspiration, hear the latest developments, and connect with like-minded professionals from the research and business fields.

The programme

From in-depth sessions to expert speakers and moments to meet and exchange! This is your opportunity to connect with the advanced computing community in one place.

View the full programme

Keynote speaker: Maria Girone, Head of CERN openlab

Girone in a datacenter

Maria Girone is Head of CERN openlab and Principal Applied Scientist at CERN’s IT department. She has been at the forefront of scientific computing for over two decades, driving the advancement of computing that enables groundbreaking research at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

At CERN (Switzerland), Maria has led efforts to integrate High-Performance Computing (HPC), cloud, AI, and new data technologies into the workflows of one of the world’s most data-intensive scientific experiments. She played a central role in the development and operation of the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG). WLCG is the largest distributed computing infrastructure ever built for science, connecting hundreds of data centers worldwide to process petabytes of data from particle collisions.

As former Chief Technology Officer of CERN openlab (2016–2023) and now its Head, Maria has defined international R&D strategies and built strong collaborations with industry and academia to push the boundaries of computing architectures. Her work not only supports the current experiments but also prepares for the High-Luminosity LHC, which will demand unprecedented computing capacity.

A strong advocate for diversity in STEM, Maria also co-founded IDEAS4HPC, the Swiss chapter of Women in HPC.

What to expect?

Curious about the last edition of ACUD? Watch the aftermovie and see what awaits you.

Aftermovie Advanced Computing User Day

FAQ

How do I get to the location?

Find the exact spot for Jaarbeurs, Supernova building on this Floorplan.

By Car

Jaarbeurs is easy to reach and offers ample parking: over 3,100 spaces, including covered spots, charging stations and designated disabled parking. Parking costs €4.75 per hour. Simply scan the QR code on your ticket to pay. Plan your route or buy your parking ticket via the Jaarbeurs website: Parking in Utrecht at Jaarbeurs.

Please note: Jaarbeurs is located within Utrecht’s zero-emission and environmental zones. Check whether your vehicle meets the requirements.

By Public Transportation
Public transport - Jaarbeurs

  • By Train

From Utrecht Central Station, follow the signs for “Jaarbeursplein.” In just a few minutes you’ll reach the Beatrix Building and than you keep going to the Jaarbeursboulevard, cross the Croeselaan to ‘Entree Oost’. Then take the escalator to the Supernova area. 

  • By Bus

Take any bus to CS Jaarbeurszijde. From there, it’s a short walk along the Jaarbeursboulevard to the venue. Take Entrance Oost.

  • By Tram

Trams stopping at CS Jaarbeursplein bring you within minutes of the Beatrix Building and Jaarbeurs entrance. Take Entrance Oost.

  • By Plane

From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, take a direct train to Utrecht Central Station (approx. 30 minutes). Follow the signs for “Jaarbeursplein” to reach the venue. Take Entrance Oost.

What does participation cost?

Participation in Advanced Computing User Day is free of charge. We want to give everyone in the community, from students to professionals, the opportunity to participate.

Can I submit a proposal as a speaker?

The call for proposals is now closed. We thank everyone for their submissions and will carefully review all proposals. All applicants will receive a response within two weeks.

Check out the programme

Join us on 4 December in Utrecht for a full day of sessions, keynotes, and community exchange. Note: The programme may still be updated or expanded.

Advanced Computing User Day

Supernova, Jaarbeurs Utrecht. Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521 AL Utrecht