PC : PC: Can you tell us about your academic and professional career so far?

GS : My career started with a Master’s degree in Computer Networks and Applications. I worked on Wi-Fi technologies and wireless networks before moving on to technologies related to the Internet of Things. I worked mainly at the University of Strasbourg, then at the CNRS, where I am currently a research engineer in the ICube laboratory. I have been involved in a number of research projects, including ANR projects in the field of wireless networks and IPv6 protocols. Since 2022, I’ve also been interested in the cloud to complement my skills.

PC : How did you go from your background in networks to the cloud and SLICES-FR?

GS : It’s a natural evolution. In today’s scientific context, computer networks and distributed systems are inseparable. Mobile devices, networks and the cloud are connected. Data collected by terminals is sent to the cloud to be stored, processed and analysed. SLICES-FR aims to enable experiments covering this entire data chain, integrating networks and distributed systems. There is a very strong interaction between networks and distributed systems, and SLICES-FR aims to highlight this convergence.

PC : What is the SLICES-FR research project and why this name?

GS : SLICES-FR stands for Scientific Large-scale Infrastructure for Computing and Communication Experimental Studies in France. It’s a very large-scale infrastructure that aims to provide researchers with hundreds or even thousands of pieces of equipment. The aim is to observe the transition to scale when new technologies are deployed en masse. The name reflects this ambition: to provide real experiments with physical equipment to assess future performance in production. The European SLICES-RI (Research Infrastructure) project shares the same acronym, emphasising the importance of real experimentation.nfrastructure) project shares the same acronym, emphasising the importance of real experimentation.

PC : What is your role in a project of this scale?

GS : As Technical Director, I chair the SLICES-FR Architectural Committee, which draws up the infrastructure specifications. I also manage the technical team responsible for the on-site construction of SLICES-FR. I manage investments and the budget, coordinate recruitment and job descriptions, and ensure communication and promotion of SLICES-FR. I am also a member of the SLICES-FR Steering Committee and Board, working closely with other Executive Directors such as Nathalie Mitton and Christian Perez.

PC : What is the current status of the project (progress, difficulties, prospects)?

GS : The project started in June 2022 with the first kick-off meeting. During the summer of 2022, we created a first version of the Architects Committee, which started work at the end of 2022. In 2024, we were able to deliver the first specifications and create the first version of the technical team. We have identified engineers and equipment from historical platforms such as Grid’5000 and IoT-LAB. The aim is to create a global service offering under the SLICES-FR banner. Within a year, we want to have a single portal to access the different equipment. Prospects include the acquisition of new equipment and the unification of services. Challenges include managing multiple partners and rationalising technology solutions.

PC : What is the ambition of the French node in the European SLICES-RI project?

GS : The French node is one of the largest in the European SLICES-RI infrastructure. It brings together about fifteen French institutions, including INRIA, CNRS, ITM, Sorbonne University and the University of Strasbourg. We have a technical team of 23 engineers and strong support from INRIA. Our ambition is to make a major contribution in terms of equipment and engineering to the management of the European infrastructure. The European Central Hub, located in France, reinforces this ambition. We work closely with the Board to implement the decisions taken by the various SLICES-EN committees.

PC : SLICES-FR brings together several technology platforms. What can you tell us about your role at the interface between Grid5000 and IoTLab?

GS : My role at the intersection of Grid’5000 and IoT-LAB is to make the services of these two infrastructures transparently available to all SLICES-FR communities. Grid’5000 specialises in cloud computing, while IoT-LAB focuses on networks and the Internet of Things. The aim is to develop new applications by integrating these services and promoting the convergence of networks and the cloud. This requires an overall vision and close collaboration between engineers from different platforms. My role is to facilitate discussions and promote mutual understanding of the challenges and goals of each platform.

PC : What are the challenges of pooling such infrastructures?

GS : The pooling of such infrastructures poses a number of challenges, both technical and organisational. From a technical point of view, it involves rationalising technological solutions and factoring equipment and services to avoid duplication and maintain the quality of existing services. It means making trade-offs and choices to create a coherent, unified service offering. From an organisational point of view, managing the many partners and coordinating the technical and administrative teams is a major challenge. It is essential to create a dynamic of cooperation and communication between the various players to ensure the success of the project.

PC : How will SLICES-FR, as part of the PEPR cloud, meet the needs of industrial energy decarbonisation?

GS : SLICES-FR intègre la dimension développement durable avec le sous-projet Green SLICES, porté par Laurent Lefèvre. L’objectif est de développer des expérimentations économes en énergie, notamment pour l’IA et les réseaux cellulaires. Nous fournissons des outils pour évaluer les performances énergétiques des expérimentations, permettant aux chercheurs d’affiner leurs développements pour une meilleure efficacité énergétique. Le projet Green SLICES est un exemple concret de la manière dont SLICES-FR contribue à la défossilisation de l’énergie consommée par l’industrie. En fournissant des outils pour évaluer les performances énergétiques des expérimentations, nous aidons les chercheurs à développer des solutions plus durables et plus respectueuses de l’environnement.

PC : How does the European and international political situation affect the project?

GS : The SLICES-FR project will last almost 20 years, from 2021 to 2042. We are currently in the design phase and starting the implementation phase. Current political factors have not yet had a significant impact, but we remain vigilant. The European and international political situation can influence the project in a number of ways. For example, research and innovation funding policies may affect the resources available for the project. Data protection and cybersecurity regulations can also have an impact on experiments and international collaborations. However, the SLICES-FR project is designed to be resilient and adaptable. We have put in place governance and coordination mechanisms to ensure the continuity of the project, even if the political context changes.

PC : How do you communicate with users about your current work?

GS : I present the infrastructure at various events and liaise with the European SLICES-RI project. My role also includes communicating with future users to inform them about upcoming services. I attend conferences and workshops to explain the progress of the project and the future services we will offer. Communication with users is essential for the success of the project. It’s important to keep them informed about progress, challenges and prospects so that they can take ownership of the tools and services we develop. This means creating appropriate communication media such as newsletters, presentations and demonstrations to keep them informed of the project’s progress.

PC : What is the SLICES-FR Summer School?

GS : The first edition of the SLICES-FR Summer School will take place from 7 to 11 July in Lyon. It will present the functionalities of SLICES-FR through presentations, workshops and training sessions. The aim is to cover a maximum of facilities and services for new users and researchers. The SLICES-FR Summer School is a unique opportunity to discover the functionalities of SLICES-FR and to learn about the new tools and services we have developed. It is aimed at a wide audience, from young researchers to experienced researchers, engineers and technicians. The programme will include presentations of research activities and publications related to the SLICES-FR experimental infrastructure, as well as hands-on workshops and training sessions to familiarise participants with SLICES-FR facilities and services.