Unifying Innovations in Forecasting Capabilities Workshop 2026 (UIFCW26)

Workshop Overview

Join us this July at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in College Park, Maryland or online for the Unifying Innovations in Forecasting Capabilities Workshop 2026 (UIFCW26). UIFCW26 serves as one of the main conduits to bring together the UFS community in support of NOAA’s overarching goal: U.S. Leadership in forecasting through model consolidation, innovation and AI Integration.

The objective of this workshop is to strengthen the understanding of our collaborative efforts to improve the Unified Forecast System, accelerate meaningful contributions, and measure progress more effectively.

The theme for this year’s workshop is A New Frontier: Optimizing New Technology in a Changing Weather Enterprise. We plan to feature key discussions on new NOAA modeling priorities such as Data Assimilation and MPAS integration, sessions for newcomers and hands-on workshops on topics such as Communicating Your Science and AI Modeling.

Please see more information about the UIFCW26 event, including registration, abstract submission, and hotel booking. The registration deadline is July 6th, 2026.

Travel Support

NOAA’s Earth Prediction Innovation Center (EPIC) is offering a limited number of travel grants for students and early career scientists to attend UIFCW26! This workshop is a great opportunity for students to gain conference experience, share their own Unified Forecast System (UFS) modeling research, and learn about NOAA’s forecasting capabilities and processes.

This travel grant will include funds to cover travel to and from the workshop, hotel accommodations, and meals. 

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for this topic, you are encouraged to apply.

Apply for the UIFCW26 Travel Grant

Venue

College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center
3501 University Blvd. East
Hyattsville, MD 20783

Parking is free and available in the hotel parking lot.

Deadlines

Travel Grant Application deadline: EOD Wednesday, May 1st, 2026

In-person Registration deadline: Monday, July 6th, 2026

** Students do not need to submit an abstract or poster to apply for the travel grant, but are encouraged to present at the workshop if interested.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please reach out to EPIC Support (support.epic@noaa.gov).