Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Addresses cybersecurity challenges specific to NSF cyberinfrastructure, including scientific data, instruments, and computational resources
- Covers secure integration of AI and automation in research environments
- Designed for CISOs, IT directors, research computing leads, and security analysts at academic institutions
- Features plenary sessions, training, and workshops at the Beckman Center in Irvine, CA
- Focuses on developing information security practices tailored to academic research institutions
About the Event
The 2026 NSF Cybersecurity Summit brings together leaders in research cyberinfrastructure, cybersecurity, and higher education to address the security requirements of the National Science Foundation ecosystem. The in-person event takes place at the Beckman Center in Irvine, CA, and combines plenary sessions with hands-on training and workshops.
Securing Research Cyberinfrastructure
The summit focuses on protecting the interconnected components that support scientific research: data repositories, instruments, computational and storage resources, and collaborative research environments. Sessions address the challenge of applying security controls to these assets without impeding scientific progress. The growing role of AI and automation in research introduces additional security considerations that the program examines in depth.
Research Security in U.S. Academic Institutions
U.S. academic research institutions face evolving threats that differ from those in commercial environments. The summit acknowledges these challenges and provides a forum for developing information security practices suited to the academic context. Attendees can expect discussions on emerging research security threats and collaborative approaches to protecting institutional research assets.
Who Should Attend
The summit serves professionals responsible for securing research environments at academic institutions. This includes Chief Information Security Officers, IT directors, research computing leads, security analysts, and academic researchers involved in cyberinfrastructure. The event emphasizes knowledge sharing and community building among participants who face similar challenges in balancing security requirements with the open, collaborative nature of scientific research.