PSDI Conference & Showcase 2026

Registration now open for our Conference & Showcase event!

👉Secure your place at the PSDI Conference & Showcase 2026! To definitely confirm your place (and your dietaries) please register by the 8th of November

Want to know what is happening on both days, then see the agenda here

If you are interested in sponsoring the event let us know

🗓 Date: 25-26 November 2026
📍Venue: Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour, West Quay Road, Southampton SO15 1AG
🕘 Time: 12:00 (Day 1) – 15:30 (Day 2)
💵 Cost: FREE – limited financial assistance is available for accommodation and travel 

About the Event

Join us for the second Physical Sciences Data Infrastructure (PSDI) Conference and Showcase, taking place in Southampton on 25-26 November 2026. This two-day event will bring together researchers, technical specialists, data professionals, infrastructure providers, funders and policymakers with an interest in research data, digital infrastructure, AI and machine learning, open science, and data-intensive physical sciences research.

🎤 Inspiring Keynotes and Panel discussions
Hear from Deidre Black (RSC), and Laura Shemilt (BioFAIR) in their keynote talks as they share perspectives on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of science. Then join in with our two interactive panels on:

• Facilitating AI in the Physical Sciences (chaired by Dr Matthew Partridge)
• The Human side of Digital Research (chaired by Dr Samantha Pearman-Kanza)

🤖 AI and the Physical Sciences
Artificial intelligence is transforming research as we know it, be a part of the conversation around how we navigate this quickly developing technology and best engage with AI in the physical sciences.

🔬 Exhibition and Poster Sessions
Come and meet the teams behind different PSDI services and projects. Enjoy a hands-on experience with the developers and chat with them about your own research challenges and what opportunities could be unlocked.

🌟 PSDI Champions Session
Find out about our new PSDI Champions scheme, hear about our current champion activities and learn how the scheme is driving change. We will be launching our next round of Champions funding at the Showcase!

🤝 Networking Opportunities
Connect with researchers, technical specialists, service providers, funders and community leaders throughout the event, including a dedicated evening networking reception and conference dinner.

🚀 Discover What’s Next for PSDI
Be a part of how PSDI continues to develop. Whether it is tools or services you developing, or somewhere to store high-quality data, we need you to tell us how we should be supporting the physical sciences in the coming years.

Below is an outline of our two day agenda:

Event outline

Keep an eye out for further updates to the schedule to come as we get closer to the event

Who Should Attend?

The Showcase is intended for anyone with an interest in data-enabled physical sciences research, including:

• Researchers, academics and research group leaders
• Research software engineers and technical specialists
• Data stewards and data managers
• Infrastructure and platform providers
• Librarians and research support professionals
• Funders, policymakers and strategy leads
• Industry partners interested in data-intensive research and innovation

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you are a company or business you may wish to consider sponsoring the event. We are offering a range of sponsorship packages, from Silver to Platinum, with a drinks reception option too. Download the sponsorship pack to see what’s on offer, or if you have a suggestion or idea that please contact us to discuss what you might wish to do.

Logistics Information

The event will take place at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour, a modern, accessible venue in the heart of the city.

Address: Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour, West Quay Road, Southampton SO15 1AG. For tourist information for Southampton see Visit Southampton.
Transport: Excellent rail and public transport links
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible venue, please contact the PSDI team if you have any specific accessibility queries.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout both days, with a Networking Reception and Dinner on Day 1. Accommodation and travel is not included.

Financial assistance may be available to cover to support your attendance at this PSDI showcase. This is only available to UK applicants and there is limited funding available. If you would like to apply for this please complete this form and the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

We look forward to welcoming you to Southampton as we bring together the UK’s physical sciences community to explore, share and shape the future of research data infrastructure.

Registration details and programme updates will be announced in due course. Registration is now open and you can join the PSDI mailing list to receive PSDI updates.