Collaborations Workshop 2026 (CW26)
What to expect:
The Software Sustainability Institute’s annual Collaborations Workshop 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.
Find out more about the programme on the CW26 webpage.
CAKE at CW26
Oops, did we do it right? Lessons from Successful Collaborations
Day 1: Tuesday 28 April, 15:00 - 16:00
This interactive mini-workshop invites participants to reflect collectively on what actually makes collaborations work, and what tends to be missing when they fail. Using a journey-mapping approach, participants will map collaborations they have been part of that were successful, focusing on the full collaboration lifecycle - from early relationship-building through to longer-term collaboration development. Participants will reflect on questions such as: What support was critical at different stages of collaboration? Where did you struggle, and why? What knowledge, communication, or professional skills were missing at the time? This reflection will highlight key priorities, decision points, and the support structures and skills needed to ensure collaborations are successful.
Find out more: https://www.software.ac.uk/news/cw26-mini-workshops-have-now-been-announced
Keynote from Eleanor Broadway:
Day 2: Wednesday 29 April, 09:50 – 10:40
Eleanor Broadway will deliver a keynote exploring how we can strengthen and sustain the research software community, drawing on her experience across collaboration, community-building, and research culture.
Find out more: https://www.software.ac.uk/news/eleanor-broadway-announced-keynote-cw26