Computational Science is a discipline dedicated to the coding of algorithms for the solution of mathematical equations that describe scientific problems over a wide variety of fields. Its aim is to obtain new scientific information and technical practices. The phenomena approached by Computational Science can range from modeling blood flow and the interaction of microorganisms, to geophysical events, biomolecular processes, turbulence in the motion of liquids and gases, the trajectory of spacecraft, statistics, epidemiology, and more.

Investigators with computational science expertise provide ways of approaching important problems that complement and improve experimental and theoretical approaches by performing simulations outside the ranges of what may be viable by other methods. In this way, computational science informs other studies, generating synergy with scientific and engineering disciplines.

The Center for Computational Science at Tulane University is one of the first Centers established in the Gulf region to focus on multidisciplinary computational science research projects.

The Center provides an infrastructure for investigators interested in computational science to exchange ideas and establish new collaborations that combine theoretical and experimental work with computation. The initial phase to establish the Center was made possible through funds from the U.S. Department of Energy and Tulane University.

The Center, with 2 permanent staff members and 4 postdoctoral researchers, began operations at Tulane University in June 2001. Since then, it has grown to 3 permanent staff members and 7-8 postdoctoral researchers annually. Many Tulane faculty members from several departments are involved in Center projects. The CCS also runs a seminar series with local and outside speakers.