Computers have long played a memorable role in science fiction, as fans of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, James Cameron’s Terminator franchise, and the Matrix trilogy well know. In real life, too, they often play a starring role, though fortunately in a far less dramatic and sinister way than their cinematic counterparts. Computers today are the bedrock of modern academe, utilized in virtually every field of study, from physics and engineering to biology, medicine, and the humanities. Two new initiatives demonstrate Boston University’s strong commitment to remaining at the vanguard of advanced scientific computing.