Presentation
Abstraction and Automation: From Workflows to Intelligent Systems and the Future of Scientific Discovery
DescriptionScientific computing has evolved through successive layers of abstraction—from machine code to workflows, from manual scheduling to autonomous orchestration. Each innovation focused on making complexity manageable while preserving scientific intent. The Pegasus Workflow Management System was built in this tradition: translating high-level scientific descriptions into efficient and reliable execution across diverse high-performance and distributed systems.
Today, as artificial intelligence reshapes both systems and science, systems are no longer just executing—they are reasoning, predicting, and adapting. Scientific discovery is enhanced with automation throughout the scientific lifecycle: from hypothesis generation to result interpretation and publication.
This enhanced automation opens transformative possibilities for new discoveries and technological advances. However, it also requires us to confront deeper questions about transparency, trust, and the role of human judgment in an increasingly automated world.
This talk reflects on the enduring design principles that have sustained Pegasus through decades of technological change, explores how AI is redefining the balance between abstraction and understanding, and emphasizes the need for critical thinking and creativity while scientists are increasingly relying on cognitive automation.
Today, as artificial intelligence reshapes both systems and science, systems are no longer just executing—they are reasoning, predicting, and adapting. Scientific discovery is enhanced with automation throughout the scientific lifecycle: from hypothesis generation to result interpretation and publication.
This enhanced automation opens transformative possibilities for new discoveries and technological advances. However, it also requires us to confront deeper questions about transparency, trust, and the role of human judgment in an increasingly automated world.
This talk reflects on the enduring design principles that have sustained Pegasus through decades of technological change, explores how AI is redefining the balance between abstraction and understanding, and emphasizes the need for critical thinking and creativity while scientists are increasingly relying on cognitive automation.
Event Type
Awards and Award Talks
TimeWednesday, 19 November 20259:15am - 10:00am CST
LocationAmerica's Ballroom Tu-Th