The world’s largest supercomputing conference featured a RCC manager as part of its SC26 Women’s History Month.
RCC Research Systems Projects and Delivery Manager Sarah Walters is one of 57 honorees of SC26 Women’s History Month Class of 2026 under this year’s theme, HPC Unites.
Sarah said she was “really touched” to be nominated for the honour by Aditi Subramanya, Partner Relations Manager of WA’s Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre and cofounder of the Australasia chapter of Women in High Performance Computing (WHPC+).
“I am just doing what needs to be done, I wasn't looking for any particular recognition, but it is lovely to be seen,” said Sarah.
In her nomination, Aditi wrote: "Sarah is a force to be reckoned with – she is an emerging leader in HPC, is highly qualified, and an advocate for Women in HPC. She has provided opportunities for women to enter the field and gone above and beyond while managing a massive workload and responsibility.
“Sarah has a strong technical background and is an exemplar in operations and leadership. Women in High Performance Computing Australasia (WHPC+) is proud to have her as a member."
RCC Director Jake Carroll said: “One of the best parts of my day is seeing RCC’s people grow, shine and succeed. Sarah’s commitment and care for her community as well as her technical capabilities and contributions are now being acknowledged internationally.
“SC is the premiere conference for our sector, and I’m energised by our growing involvement with this long running and respected mainstay of our practice,” said Jake.
Sarah’s SC26 Women’s History Month profile (available on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram) outlines her background in computing, and what she does in her RCC role at UQ and in the wider HPC community.
The final line of her profile states: “My name is Sarah Walters, and I contribute to groundbreaking [scientific and] academic research in a broad range of fields by enabling access to the power of High-Performance Computing.”
Since launching the SC Women’s History Month Profiles project in 2023, more than 200 women have showcased how their work strengthens and shapes the HPC community.
The SC26 Women’s History Month webpage says: “From researchers and engineers to educators, program leaders, and advocates, each profile reflects a different path into HPC and a unique way of contributing to it.
“This year’s theme, HPC Unites, reminds us that progress in HPC happens through participation and collaboration. It unites disciplines, institutions, and generations. It connects infrastructure with impact. Most importantly, it brings people together to solve complex challenges and expand what is possible.”
Charity Plata, SC26 Communications Chair, said: “We are proud to introduce the SC26 Women’s History Month Class of 2026. We invite everyone to explore these stories and celebrate the many ways women continue to advance the field.”
Daily throughout March, SC posted each women’s story on its LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook pages. The full list of honorees is on the SC26 website.
The SC conferences (also called the International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage and Analysis) are held in the USA each year. SC26 will be held in Chicago from 15–20 November.
A few RCC staff usually attend the SC conferences each year.
