During PhD in Bioinformatics I have started using Python for scientific computation and data analysis needs.

After extensive experience running it on most clustering platforms used in scientific computing environments (including AIX with LoadLeveler, Linux with Condor and Sun Grid Engine, EGEE grid with gLite from CERN), I consider Python, SQLite and Haskell as keys to my productivity with applications requiring often no less than few hundred CPU/hours to complete each test run.