Mini-workshops and demo sessions offer unique opportunities for CW25 delegates and sponsors to give an in-depth look at a particular project, tool or approach related to the CW25 themes or other topics relating to research software. Proposals can also be related to pitches for the CW25 Hack Day. The mini-workshops and demo sessions will run in parallel on Days 1 and 2 of the workshop.

30- or 60-minute sessions are available to:

• Demonstrate a particular research software related endeavour, project, approach, standard or product
• Deliver specific training e.g. an interactive tutorial
• Conduct information gathering or explore a topic

CW25 is a hybrid event, and the Mini-workshops and demo sessions will have people facilitating and participating both in-person and remotely. The CW25 team will be managing the video connection between the in-person room and the associated Zoom room, and helpers from the CW25 Organising Committee will be present to assist during the session. If selected, proposers must consider how the session will be inclusive of both in-person and remote participants and confirm if they will deliver the session in-person or remotely.

The deadline for proposals for mini-workshops and demos is 23:59 GMT on Friday 28 February 2025.

We will notify applicants of the outcome by Friday 14 March 2025.

A lightning talk gives you two minutes and one slide to discuss a subject. Lightning talks are the perfect way to introduce yourself at the workshop. You could talk about your work, an idea, a problem, a pitch for the CW Hack Day, or anything that's related to software and research, and ideally related to the themes of CW25. 

The Lightning Talk sessions will have people presenting both in-person and remotely. If selected, proposers will need to confirm if they will present in-person or remotely and will be allowed only one slide, which will have to be submitted in advance. A countdown timer will be provided to keep presenters on time.

The deadline for proposals for lightning talks is 23:59 GMT on Friday 14 March 2025.

We will notify applicants of the outcome by Friday 28 March 2024.

The Software Sustainability Institute’s Collaborations Workshop series brings together researchers, developers, innovators, managers, funders, publishers, policymakers, leaders and educators to explore best practices and the future of research software.

Collaborations Workshop 2025 will centre around future proofing research software and how we evolve together as a diverse community. Over three days, delegates will be invited to take part in discussion sessions, collaborative ideas sessions, and hack day sessions, to explore together and create together. 

Delegates can also expect inspirational keynote sessions and lightning talks, focussing on the changes in landscape, what research software will look like in the future, and the challenges for the research software community.

This year's event will be delivered in a hybrid format on Zoom and in person at Stirling Court Hotel, based on the grounds of the University of Stirling. Stirling is a beautiful, historic city with easy access to beautiful, wild landscapes and outdoor activities. Stirling is also ideally placed as a gateway to the Scottish Highlands and is only a short train trip from Edinburgh or Glasgow. 

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.

Applications for financial support to participate in CW25 can be submitted until 23:59 GMT,  Friday 28 February 2025. You can find more information in the application form.