What is Digital Research Infrastructure?
Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) is the collection of tools, services, and resources that enable researchers to efficiently and securely work with data and computation across various research and innovation challenges. If you work in DRI, your job title might be Research Infrastructure Engineer, Research Software Engineer, Data Manager, Librarian or Academic Researcher. Many people aren't aware they work in DRI, but if any of this sounds familiar, you may be interested in our Digital Research Infrastructure Retreat.
What is the DRI retreat?
The DRI Retreat is a five-day residential meeting comprising panel discussions and group sessions for technology specialists to develop soft skills and network with peers. This is the fourth year we have run the event in collaboration with UKRI.
What is the event schedule?
The first day (Monday 23 March) will start with registration and refreshments from 09:00, with the first session commencing at 10:45.
The other days will start at 09:30 and finish at 16:30 with two half-hour refreshment breaks in the morning (10:14-10:45 and 11:30-12:00) and one in the afternoon (15:00-15:30). Lunch will be from 13:00-14:00.
Breakfast for those staying overnight and lunch for all in-person attendees will be in the hotel restaurant.
Where is the event being held?
The retreat will be held at the Pendulum Hotel Manchester (also known as the Manchester Conference Centre) on Sackville Street, Manchester. It is NOT held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex.
The retreat will also be streamed live online, and a facilitator in the room will ask any questions from online attendees to the panel. You can attend fully in-person or fully online, or a mix of both. There will also be space to dip out of panels if you need to work or participate in a meeting. If you would like to attend hybrid, please fill out the form as if you are attending in person.
What will it cost to attend and am I eligible?
It is FREE to attend! If you are given a place, there is no charge for tickets, and accommodation will be booked automatically if you have requested it on the application form. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the venue for free, and a conference dinner will be provided on Tuesday night. There is the option to have travel reimbursed if needed after the event.
We encourage anyone who feels they may benefit from this event to apply for a place, regardless of your seniority, job title, or if you have attended before. Unlike our other events, anyone at any institution or organisation across the UK is eligible for a place. If you are not awarded a place in person, you will be awarded an online place.
How do I sign up?
You must apply to be given a place at the DRI Retreat. This is to ensure a fair balance of professions, career stages, and backgrounds. Fill out the form below to apply for a place.
The deadline for attendees to apply for a place is Friday, 30 January.
How can I be more involved when I'm there?
We are accepting expressions of interest to become a panellist/session facilitator at the 2026 retreat until mid January. We especially encourage early-career professionals and those underrepresented in their fields to apply. All panellists will be provided with a place at the retreat. Fill in the following form to say which sessions you'd like to be involved with.