MERIF 2026

Dates: September 29-30, 2026
Location: Washington, DC | George Washington University 

Conference Highlights:

• Sessions: Engage with thought leaders as they present the latest advancements and applications of mid-scale research infrastructures and facilitate discussions around the director of MERIF
• Tutorials: Participate in hands-on tutorials to provide an in-depth understanding and practical skills for various testbeds.
• Panels: Hear from diverse experts discussing the challenges, opportunities, and future directions of mid-scale awards and testbeds.
• Networking: Connect with peers, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations in a conducive and interactive environment.

Key Focus Areas:

• Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure and Testbeds: Learn about the various available research infrastructure and testbeds, their unique features, and the groundbreaking research users conduct.
• User Experiences: Learn from current users about their projects, challenges, and successes, utilizing these infrastructures to push the boundaries of their fields.
• Managing and Proposing Mid-Scale: Share your experiences managing and proposing mid-scale infrastructure. Learn from the experiences of others.
• Community Building: Join the MERIF community to support the development and use of midscale research infrastructure. Meet collaborators who will help craft your future research efforts. 

This conference is a unique opportunity to delve into the strategic use of mid-scale awards and testbeds, enhance your knowledge, and contribute to the growing community of practice. Whether you're an experienced researcher or new to the field, MERIF26 offers valuable perspectives and skills to elevate your work.

NSF Award Number: CNS-2407087

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KNIT 13: FABRIC Community Workshop

Date: September 28, 2026
Location: Washington, DC | George Washington University

KNIT13: Networking for the Future brings together the FABRIC community for a day of advanced training, plenary sessions, and hands-on exploration of cutting-edge research networking. Taking place in Washington, DC, KNIT13 is co-located with the PAWR PI Meeting, creating an opportunity for cross-community engagement and collaboration. Combined meals will facilitate networking across projects.

What to Expect:

• Advanced Training & Hands-On Learning: Dive deep into FABRIC's most powerful features and emerging capabilities with expert-led technical sessions.
• Thought-Provoking Plenary Sessions: Hear from visionaries shaping the future of programmable infrastructure and next-generation networking.
• Impactful Research Showcases: Explore real-world experiments spanning scientific domains, from high-energy physics to AI-driven network optimization, and see how FABRIC is accelerating discovery.

Note: The MERIF Workshop will follow KNIT13 and the PAWR PI Meeting and will be held at the same location in Washington, DC, September 29-30, 2026. 

NSF Award Number: 2330891

Hope to see you at both MERIF and KNIT/PAWR events!