GENE/GENE-X User Training and Tutorial
Both GENE and GENE-X are Eulerian gyrokinetic plasma turbulence codes that largely share the same set of 5D gyrokinetic equations. With its field-aligned coordinates, the delta-f code GENE is highly suited for linear and nonlinear core and edge studies from ion gyroradius down to electron gyroradius scales in either flux-tube or radial annulus domains. Cross-separatrix studies including the scrape-off layer (SOL) are enabled by the full-f code GENE-X which exploits a flux-coordinate independent (FCI) approach for grid optimization. Both codes are highly parallelised and able to exploit both CPU and GPU architectures.
Luis Cifuentes
You are cordially invited to attend the GENE and GENE-X user training and tutorials for the numerical simulation of plasma core and edge turbulence, which will be held in Garching, Germany, from Monday 12th to Wednesday 16th January 2026. This event is organised by EuroCC2 in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute of Plasma Physics (IPP) and the Max Planck Computing and Data Facility (MPCDF), in collaboration with the Plasma-PEPSC CoE.
Both GENE and GENE-X are Eulerian gyrokinetic plasma turbulence codes that largely share the same set of 5D gyrokinetic equations. With its field-aligned coordinates, the delta-f code GENE is highly suited for linear and nonlinear core and edge studies from ion gyroradius down to electron gyroradius scales in either flux-tube or radial annulus domains. Cross-separatrix studies including the scrape-off layer (SOL) are enabled by the full-f code GENE-X which exploits a flux-coordinate independent (FCI) approach for grid optimization. Both codes are highly parallelised and able to exploit both CPU and GPU architectures.
Program
The program is designed to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the two codes and their respective applications, as well as the necessary skills and knowledge to use them effectively. For users who are already familiar with one of the codes and/or are only interested in one of the sessions, the program is split into two modules:
GENE user training (Mon 12th - Tue 13th)
This 1.5 day training aims at providing a basic understanding of the physics, methods, and strategies employed in the gyrokinetic turbulence code GENE (https://genecode.org).
- Installing and setting up the GENE code efficiently
- Running simulations on CPU and GPU architectures
- Post-processing and data analysis
- Troubleshooting and optimization techniques
GENE-X user training (Wed 14th - Fri 16th)
The GENE-X user training program is a comprehensive course that covers the basics of the GENE-X code and its applications. The program includes sessions on:
- Installing and setting up the GENE-X code
- Running simulations and analyzing results
- Preprocessing and equilibrium creation
- Post-processing and data analysis
- Troubleshooting and optimization techniques
- Connecting with the GENE-X community
Both modules include a combination of theoretical and hands-on sessions, allowing participants to gain practical experience with the codes and its applications.
The format will be hybrid, i.e. remote participation will be possible as well, but we strongly encourage participants to attend in-person in Garching to also foster collaborations and community-building.
The meeting is addressed to plasma turbulence specialists and/or PhD/Master students, who want to learn (or improve their knowledge of) corresponding GENE/GENE-X simulations skills and satisfy the following
Prerequisites
Participants are expected to have basic skills in Unix-based operating systems, including navigating terminals and using SSH, as well as some familiarity with text editors such as vi/emacs. Knowledge of compiling code is helpful but not strictly necessary. Additionally, participants should have a basic understanding of Python, as it is required for both preprocessing and postprocessing simulation in- and output.
To participate in the program, individuals preferably have their own account on a cluster or supercomputer where the GENE and/or GENE-X codes can be installed. It is recommended that participants contact the organizers beforehand to confirm that their cluster is suited for this workshop and to clarify any questions they may have. Finally, participants should have a small budget (few kCPUh) allocated on a cluster to perform code verification tests and hands-on submissions of small test jobs. For EU residents it is possible to get a workshop account on Leonardo Booster at CINECA through ENCCS and NCC Germany. Please indicate the necessity in the registration form. A short basic introductory course can be attended online on Monday morning, where working on Leonardo Booster is introduced.
Workshop venue
The tutorial is organised at the Max Planck Institute of Plasma Physics (IPP) and the Max Planck Computing & Data Facility (MPCDF), Boltzmannstr. 2, 85748 Garching near Munich, Germany.
Acknowledgements
This course is partially funded by the EuroCC 2 project.
The project has received funding from the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 101101903. The JU receives support from the Digital Europe Programme and Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Türkiye.
Additional funding for the project comes from the Austrian federal ministries BMBWF and BMK.
Within the scope of the EuroCC2 project this training is offered free of charge. By participating in a training free of charge, companies receive state-aid corresponding to the regular market-prices listed in the service portfolio. Please note state-aid regulations in Germany.
Die Teilnahme für Industriekunden ist kostenlos, da das Projekt u.a. staatlich gefördert wird (BMBF) und die erhaltene Leistung als Beihilfe zählt. Sie erhalten auf Anfrage eine Information zur Höhe der beihilferelevanten Förderung.