Simple is better? HPC-enabled neural architecture search for energy demand forecasting

Welcome to ASHPC26Austrian-Slovenian HPC meetings (ASHPC) are key events for the Austrian and Slovenian High-Performance Computing (HPC) communities, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and infrastructure providers from both countries to discuss the latest developments in HPC, AI, Quantum Computing, and data-intensive computing.It plays an increasingly important role for the wider Central European HPC ecosystem as well, by fostering cross-border collaboration, enabling knowledge exchange, and encouraging the sharing and joint development of advanced computing infrastructures, services, and scientific projects.In this way, the conference also strengthens the network of national HPC competence centres and national HPC communities, and helps align scientific use cases, training activities, and technology roadmaps across the region.The ASHPC26 program features 5 keynote talks that provide strategic and scientific perspectives on HPC, AI, simulation, and quantum computing, complemented by 10 technical-track contributions focusing on architecture, operations, and software stacks for modern supercomputing systems.Across the main sessions, more than 40 contributed talks highlight a broad spectrum of applications and methods, from large-scale simulations and numerical methods to machine learning workflows and novel HPC-enabled services.The conference also includes 18 posters, each preceded by a short lightning talk, showcasing success stories, emerging projects, and innovative ideas from both established and early-career contributors.I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Organizing Committee for their dedicated work in handling the many logistical details, finalizing and communicating the scientific and social program, and creating a welcoming environment that will make ASHPC26 a vibrant meeting point for all participants.Next, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Program Committee, which carefully selected the keynote speakers, reviewed all submitted abstracts, and made the final decisions on the accepted talks and posters.The dedicated efforts of the members of the Program Committee are essential for maintaining the high scientific quality of ASHPC meetings.Finally, I would also like to thank the Steering Committee, which has closely monitored all activities and provided guidance and support whenever needed.All these efforts are crucial to keeping ASHPC an attractive meeting point for the Central European high-performance and quantum computing community.Welcome to ASHPC26 -let's make it a memorable and fruitful experience!