Mini-workshops and demo sessions offer unique opportunities for CW26 delegates and sponsors to give an in-depth look at a particular project, tool or approach related to the CW26 themes. Proposals can also be related to pitches for the CW26 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

The deadline for proposals for mini-workshops and demos is 23:59 GMT on Friday 16 January 2026.

We will notify applicants of the outcome by Friday 6 February 2026.

If you have any questions, please get in touch via email on ssi-community@software.ac.uk.

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 CW26. 

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 to time.

The deadline for proposals for lightning talks is 23:59 GMT on Friday 16 January 2026.

We will notify applicants of the outcome by Friday 6 February 2026.

If you have any questions, please get in touch via email on ssi-community@software.ac.uk.

CW26 Theme

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.

What to expect at 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. 

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.