Linking Heterogeneous Biodiversity Information Systems on the GRID: the GRAB Prototype

In the field of biodiversity informatics a wide range of diverse databases and tools already exists. The challenge is to integrate such resources in order to support scientists wishing to explore complex problems of relevance to biodiversity, and to create new resources where necessary. In this paper we outline the relevance of biodiversity informatics requirements to the future development of the GRID, identifying the main issues that need to be addressed in this area. We present GRAB (GRid And Biodiversity), which is a prototype demonstrator illustrating how one particular biodiversity-related task, namely bioclimatic modelling, can be supported in a Globus-based environment. We also describe a much larger-scale GRID application project that is just commencing (BiodiversityWorld) in which a flexible problem-solving environment is to be built for full-scale investigations by scientists working in a number of biodiversity research areas

Linking heterogeneous biodiversity information systems on the grid: The grab prototype

In the field of biodiversity informatics a wide range of diverse databases and tools already exists. The challenge is to integrate such resources in order to support scientists wishing to explore complex problems of relevance to biodiversity, and to create new resources where necessary. In this paper we outline the relevance of biodiversity informatics requirements to the future development of the GRID, identifying the main issues that need to be addressed in this area. We present GRAB (GRid And Biodiversity), which is a prototype demonstrator illustrating how one particular biodiversity-related task, namely bioclimatic modelling, can be supported in a Globus-based environment. We also describe a much larger-scale GRID application project that is just commencing (BiodiversityWorld) in which a flexible problem-solving environment is to be built for full-scale investigations by scientists working in a number of biodiversity research areas.</p

GECEM: Grid-Enabled Computational Electromagnetics

The GECEM project aims to use and develop Grid technology to enable large-scale and globallydistributed scientific and engineering research. The focus of the project is collaborative numerical simulation and visualisation between the UK and Singapore from which experience will be gained in the use of Grid technology to support research in the context of an `extended enterprise&apos;. In addition to these high-level objectives, the project also looks to develop Grid-enabled capability and products for use by the wider community. This paper reports on the current status of the GECEM project and discusses a prototype Grid integrating resources at the BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre near Bristol, the Welsh eScience Centre (WeSC) in Cardiff, and the University of Wales, Swansea (UWS). This Grid is capable of taking a model geometry generated at BAE Systems, transferring it to UWS where it is meshed. The meshed geometry is then transferred to WeSC where it is used to solve a computational electromagnetics problem and visualised