Collaborations Workshop 2026 (CW26) - #CollabW26

Event Overview

The Software Sustainability Institute's annual Collaborations Workshop (CW) is an immersive, three-day unconference, which emphasises active collaborations, dynamic discussions, and hands-on problem-solving.

We are delighted to announce that Collaborations Workshop 2026 (CW26) will centre around one powerful theme and clear purpose: Strengthening the Research Software Community.

Research software is at the heart of discovery, innovation, and trust in research. Yet, its future depends on the strength of the people and communities behind it. Together, we will explore how to build a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystem that empowers practitioners, researchers, developers, and advocates alike.

We’ll focus on fostering national and international collaboration, supporting career development across all stages, and embedding equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our collective practices. We'll also examine the evolving role of shaping responsible, high-quality research, from AI and data infrastructure to reproducibility, policy, and public trust.

Through inspiring talks, interactive workshops, group discussions, and hands-on sessions, we’ll share knowledge, amplify diverse voices, and work together to ensure research software continues to thrive in an uncertain but opportunity-rich future.

Location

Collaborations Workshop 2026 (CW26) will take place as a hybrid event from Tuesday 28 April to Thursday 30 April 2026 at ICC Belfast.

ICC Belfast is a world-class conference venue located in the heart of Northern Ireland’s capital. We’re especially excited to bring CW to Belfast for the first time, marking a significant step in making the event more accessible to our Northern Irish community. ICC Belfast offers state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant setting that reflects the city's rich culture and warm hospitality, making it the perfect backdrop for this year's gathering.

Belfast is easy to get to, with Belfast and Dublin offering 179 direct European routes and 245 internationally. There are 21 direct UK flight routes to Belfast, as well as ample train and ferry options.

Belfast is a fully walkable city, but you can also choose from the sustainable Belfast Bikes, the eco Glider buses, or Belfast’s fleet of low emission taxis to get around during your stay.

Please familiarise yourself with the venue guide (coming soon!) ahead of attending CW26.

What to expect at a Collaborations Workshop

The Software Sustainability Institute's annual Collaborations Workshop (CW) is an immersive, three-day unconference, which emphasises active collaborations, dynamic discussions, and hands-on problem-solving.

It brings together a diverse and passionate community, from researchers and software developers to funders and policy makers, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Networking is a central feature, with ample opportunities to meet, collaborate, and form partnerships that extend well beyond the event itself.

Keynotes and mini-workshops provide valuable insights, but the core of the event lies in interactive ideas and discussion sessions where diverse perspectives come together to shape the future of research software.

The final day is dedicated to the Hack Day, where creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving take centre stage. This isn’t just about coding; it’s a space where people from all backgrounds, technical or not, come together to experiment and co-create solutions to real-world challenges in research software and beyond.

Previous attendees describe CW as simultaneously intense and fun, convivial yet highly productive. CW25 was no exception, with participants praising the event’s sense of community, strong organisation, and the real value they gained:

“Collaborations Workshop is one of my favourite conferences - every year I've been I've gotten such a lot out of it and this year was no different. The setting was beautiful, the programme was amazing, and the attendees fantastic.”

“this was one of the most well organised and actively inclusive events I've been to.”

In essence, this event is more than a conference, it's a community-building experience and a catalyst for positive change in the research software sector. Delegates leave energised and connected, with new ideas to drive positive change in their fields.

Visit the CW26 webpage for more information about the event, including the programme, speakers, etc.

Financial Support: Emerging Voices

The Software Sustainability Institute is committed to fostering and supporting a diverse, equitable and inclusive research software community. We are proud to offer financial assistance to members of underrepresented groups, students/early career stages, and others who may not be able to attend or fully participate in the event otherwise.

This support is designed to reduce the barriers to participation, enabling fresh perspectives and new voices to join the conversation and shape the future of research software.

To donate to this initiative, please add the "Donation" ticket to your basket, alongside your preferred ticket, when registering.

Our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity

To make this event fair and inclusive to everyone, you will need to read, agree to and abide by our Participation Guidelines.