AI Unlocked: Empowering Higher Education through Research and Discovery
When: June 2-3, 2026
Where: Denver, Colorado
Travel support is covered as part of the ACCESS Support grant #2138286. ACCESS is an advanced computing and data resource program supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure awards.
AI Unlocked provides a unique opportunity for researchers, educators, and students to learn how to integrate AI tools in research and classroom settings.
Registration is free for the day and a half-long event, which is sponsored by ACCESS and NAIRR Pilot and University of Colorado, Boulder. Space is limited to 150 participants. We anticipate receiving more applications to attend than available spots.
Travel support may be available for hotel accommodations and economy flights for those traveling from outside a 50-mile radius of the event location.
We are pleased to announce the call for proposals for the second annual AI Unlocked: Empowering Higher Education through Research and Discovery, one of the premier convening events in the National AI Research Resource NAIRR and ACCESS communities.
All proposals are due by March, 9th (UTC-12).
Proposal Submission Form
Date: June 2-3, 2026
Time: 9:00am -5:00 pm Tuesday June 2 and 9:00am-12:00pm Wednesday June 3
Location: Denver, Colorado
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 of AI 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.
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. All submissions will undergo peer review to ensure strong alignment with the workshop’s goals and to support a collaborative, engaged event.
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.
We look forward to receiving your proposal and the opportunity to advance AI innovation, education, and discovery together.
Proposals may address one or more of the following thematic areas. 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
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.
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.
Session Format: Provide a proposed outline for the session, including estimated time for introductions, discussion, and audience interaction.
Prerequisites: 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 here on the workshop website.
Deadline to apply for consideration is March 9.
Complete the Workshop Application Form to apply.
Notifications of acceptance will be sent via email on or after March 30, 2026.
For applicants who are accepted and invited to attend the workshop, eligibility for travel support must be reviewed and approved.
Applicants will be notified on March 30 of acceptance.
Please do not book any flights or reserve hotel lodging prior to receiving notification of acceptance and instructions on making travel arrangements.
Travel support is covered as part of the ACCESS Support grant #2138286. ACCESS is an advanced computing and data resource program supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure awards.
Travel support is available for flight and hotel only. Costs will be reimbursed after the event rather than pre-paid.
- Any extension of travel dates for personal reasons is not reimbursable.
- Receipts must be received within 45 days of the workshop.
- Reimbursement checks will be sent via US mail to the home address you provide.
- Reimbursements take an average of 3-4 weeks.
Visa Holders:
- Visa holders may have taxes withheld prior to reimbursement.
- Tax amounts will vary by visa type.
You MUST arrive PRIOR to the workshop starts and depart AFTER the workshop ends. Since the event is all day on June 2 and half day on the morning of June 3, most flights should generally arrive in Denver by the evening of June 1 and depart late afternoon or evening of June 3.
- Travelers must book round-trip ECONOMY flights between their home airport and the location of the workshop ONLY. Date extensions or flight deviations are not permitted.
- Travelers must arrive no sooner than the day before the workshop and depart the day the workshop ends.
- Travelers must choose the least expensive fare and most direct route possible for their schedule.
- Only ECONOMY flights are reimbursable. Passengers must cover any flight upgrades after the flight is booked (including seat selection and luggage).
- All flights must be approved for reimbursement eligibility.
- Email aiworkshop@colorado.edu if you have any questions.
- Travelers may arrive the night before the workshop (June 1) and must depart the last day of the event (June 3) Lodging is available for the evenings of June 1 and 2 for attendees approved for travel support.
- We will send out the group discount code and reservation instructions for the Westin Denver Downtown when we notify applicants of acceptance.The Westin Denver Downtown is the approved hotel for the workshop. Hotel costs will not be reimbursed at other hotels without approval. If you are unable to secure a room at The Westin (e.g. it is sold out), we require that you contact us aiworkshop@colorado.edu PRIOR to booking other lodging. We will need to discuss and pre-approve the alternate hotel selection to ensure reimbursement.
- Single room occupancy only. Room sharing is not allowed.
- We reimburse for room and taxes only. Any incidental charges and/or upgrades are the traveler’s responsibility.
- You must live more than 50 miles (via shortest route) from the workshop to be eligible for hotel reinbursement.
Examples of what is NOT approved, allowable or reimbursable:
Please note: This is not an all-encompassing list. Anything other than what is listed above is NOT approved for reimbursement). Please email aiworkshop@colorado.edu with any questions.
- Reimbursements for cancellations, changes, or upgrades to flight or hotel reservations.
- Any trip extensions for purposes other than the workshop.
- Travel deviations such as starting and ending at different destinations (e.g. flying from Seattle to Denver, then Denver to Dallas. If you start in Seattle, you must return to Seattle.)
- Flight upgrades or add-ons, such as seat assignment or luggage fees.
- Private jets or leased planes
- Rental cars
- Hotel stays for travelers living within 50 miles (shortest distance) of the workshop location.
- AirBnBs
- Camping fees
- Parking fees
- Food, per diem or room service
- In room entertainment, such as movies
- Alcohol
- Laundry
- Mileage
- Ground transportation
- Travel insurance