National AI Workshop

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When: June 2-3, 2026
Where: Denver, Colorado

Interested?

TheÌýNational AI WorkshopÌýprovides a unique opportunity forÌýresearchers, educators, andÌýstudentsÌýtoÌýlearn how toÌýintegrateÌýAI tools in research and classroom settings.

Registration is free for theÌýday and a half-longÌýevent, which is sponsored by and and University of Colorado, Boulder.ÌýSpace is limited to 150Ìýparticipants. ÌýWe anticipate receivingÌýmore applications to attend than available spots.

Travel support may be available for hotel accommodationsÌýand economy flightsÌýfor those traveling from outside a 50-mile radius of the event location.Ìý

We are pleased to announce the call for proposals for the second annualÌýAI Unlocked:Ìý Empowering Higher Education through Research and Discovery, one of the premier convening events in the National AI Research Resource and communities.Ìý

All proposals are due by March, 9th (UTC-12).

Date: June 2-3, 2026
Time: 9:00am -5:00 pm Tuesday June 2 and 9:00am-12:00pm Wednesday June 3
Location: Denver, ColoradoÌý

This highly selective, national workshop brings together leading researchers, educators, and practitioners from multidisciplinary domains to explore cutting-edge applications of AI across research and education. A defining strength ofÌýAI Unlocked is the rich cross-pollination of ideas that occurs when participants from different domains of expertise collaborate, share experiences, and learn from one another. Given the significant interest this event has consistently received and our commitment to maintaining a focused, high-impact learning environment, participation is intentionally limited.Ìý

We especially encourage proposals that demonstrate how your work or interests would both benefit from and contribute to this multidisciplinary dialogue. Strong proposals typically highlight applied or emerging uses of AI in research, education, or cyberinfrastructure; introduce, and demonstrate the use of, relevant tools or methods; and demonstrate clear potential for sharing across disciplines.Ìý All submissions will undergo peer review to ensure strong alignment with the workshop’s goals and to support a collaborative, engaged event.Ìý

Acceptance notifications will be sent on March 30, 2026. Limited travel support will be available for accepted participants who demonstrate financial need and meet eligibility criteria.Ìý

We look forward to receiving your proposal and the opportunity to advance AI innovation, education, and discovery together.

Thematic Areas for Submission

Proposals may address one or more of the following thematic areas.Ìý These topics are intended to be illustrative rather than exhaustive.

AI Coding Assistants in Research

  • Using AI assistants for code generation, debugging, and refactoring
  • Automated documentation and code review processes

AI Policy & Governance

  • Developing institutional guidelines for AI tool adoption
  • Data privacy, security, and compliance considerations when using AI platforms

AI in Teaching & Learning

  • AI tutoring systems and personalized learning pathways
  • Instructional approaches for integrating AI into coursework, including guiding students toward responsible, transparent, and effective use of AI tools

AI for Research Workflows

  • Literature review and synthesis tools
  • AI-assisted grant writing and proposal development

AI for Scientific Discovery

  • Applications of tools and methods for specific research domains
  • AI-driven pattern recognition in observational data (i.e. astronomy, ecology, climate science)

AI Workforce & Career Development

  • Curriculum design for AI literacy across disciplines
  • Preparing students for an AI-integrated workforce

Equity in AI Access & Capability

  • Resource constraints at under-resourced institutions and open-source alternatives
  • Training programs for building AI competencies

Information Required for submission:Ìý

Title

Abstract: A short summary describing the goals and target audience of the panel.

Organizers: Names of organizer(s)/moderator and panelists and a description of their contributions.Ìý

Learning Outcomes: What can the participants expect to learn?

Description: An explanation of the topic, motivation, and goals of the panel, including its timeliness, relevance, and expected outcomes.Ìý

Session Format: Provide a proposed outline for the session, including estimated time for introductions, discussion, and audience interaction.

Prerequisites:Ìý What should participants know, or have before the session to get the most value

Session Type:

  • Tutorial - 1.5 hours
    • Provides hands-on instruction to help participants develop practical skills
    • Must clearly specify required resources (laptop, software, system access, accounts, etc.)
    • Must have a back-up plan for if network is unstable or unusable
  • Talk - 0.25 or .5 hour
    • Focuses on clearly communicating key concepts, research results, or practical experiences
    • Single presenter format with time for Q&A
  • Birds of a Feather - 1 hour
    • Brings together participants with common interests to openly explore ideas, share experiences, and work through challenges
    • Informal, participant-driven discussion format
  • Panel - 1 hour
    • Features a moderated discussion bringing together multiple experts on a particular topic
    • Includes diverse perspectives and audience Q&A

If a session is accepted, these details will be shared on the workshop website.

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