AI Unlocked: Empowering Higher Education through Research and Discovery
When: June 2-3, 2026
Where: Denver, Colorado
Travel support is covered as part of the ACCESS Support grant #2138286.ACCESS is an advanced computing and data resource program supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure awards.
AI Unlockedprovides a unique opportunity forresearchers, educators, andstudentstolearn how tointegrateAI tools in research and classroom settings.
Registration is free for theday and a half-longevent, which is sponsored by and and University of Colorado, Boulder.
Preliminary Agenda:
Please note- we will have three rooms with simultaneous sessions. You will be able to move between rooms during breaks. The topics listed below are general ideas of what may be covered during multiple sessions during this three-hour block of time.
- 8:00–9:00 AM — Welcome/Badge Pickup and Breakfast
- 9:00–12:00 — Opening Remarks, followed by sessions in: AI in Teaching & Learning · AI for Scientific Discovery · AI Workforce & Career Development · Equity in AI Access & Capability
- 12:00–1:00 PM — Lunch
- 1:00–4:30 PM — Sessions in: AI for Research Workflows · AI for Scientific Discovery · AI Workforce & Career Development · Equity in AI Access & Capability
- 5:30–7:30 PM — Networking Reception
- 8:00–9:00 AM — Breakfast
- 9:00–12:00 — Sessions in: AI Policy & Governance · AI Coding Assistants in Research · AI in Teaching & Learning
- 12:00–1:00 — Lunch
Applicants were notified of acceptance and (if applicable) travel support via email starting on March 30, 2026.
Travel support is covered as part of the ACCESS Support grant #2138286.ACCESS is an advanced computing and data resource program supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure awards.
Travel support is available for economy flight and conference hotel (discounted group rate) standard room charges/taxes ONLY.
Costs will be reimbursed after the event rather than pre-paid.
- Any extension of travel dates for personal reasons is not reimbursable.
- Receipts must be received within 45 days of the workshop.
- Reimbursement checks will be sent via US mail to the home address you provide.
- Reimbursements take an average of 3-4 weeks.
Visa Holders:
- Visa holders may have taxes withheld prior to reimbursement.
- Tax amounts will vary by visa type.
- Visa holders will receive instructions by email.
You MUST arrive PRIOR to the workshop starts and depart AFTER the workshop ends.
Since the event is all day on June 2 and half day on the morning of June 3, most flights should generally arrive in Denver by the evening of June 1 and depart late afternoon or evening of June 3.
- NO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL is reimbursable. Domestic flights only.
- Travelers must book round-trip ECONOMY flights between their home airport and the location of the workshop ONLY.Date extensions or flight deviations are not permitted.
- Travelers must arrive no sooner than the day before the workshop and depart the day the workshop ends.
- Travelers must choose the least expensive fare and most direct route possible for their schedule.
- Only ECONOMY flights are reimbursable. Passengers must cover any flight upgrades after the flight is booked (including seat selection and luggage).
- Book directly with the airline. Fees for third party booking sites are not reimbursable.
- All flights must be approved for reimbursement eligibility.
- Emailaiworkshop@colorado.edu if you have any questions.
- Travelers may arrive the night before the workshop (June 1) and must depart the last day of the event (June 3) Lodging is available for the evenings of June 1 and 2 for attendees approved for travel support.
- We will send out the group discount code and reservation instructions to travel supported attendees. The is the approved hotel for the workshop. Hotelcosts will not be reimbursed at other hotels without approval. If you are unable to secure a room at The Westin (e.g. it is sold out), we require that you contact usaiworkshop@colorado.edu PRIOR to booking other lodging. We will need to discuss and pre-approve the alternate hotel selection to ensure reimbursement. Attendees not receiving travel support may book their lodging of choice. The conference hotel is located in downtown Denver.
- Single room occupancy only. Room sharing is not allowed. No split reimbursements.
- We reimburse for room and taxes only. Any incidental charges and/or upgrades are the traveler’s responsibility. Parking is not included in travel support.
- You must live more than 50 miles(via shortest route) from the workshop to be eligible for hotel reinbursement.
- The Westin Denver Downtown requires guests be at least 21 years old to reserve a room or check-in.
Please note: This is not an all-encompassing list., but anything other than economy airfare and discounted group rate standard room at Westin Denver Downtown is NOT approved for reimbursement. Please emailaiworkshop@colorado.edu with any questions.
- Reimbursements for cancellations, changes, or upgrades to flight or hotel reservations.
- Any trip extensions for purposes other than the workshop.
- Travel deviations such as starting and ending at different destinations (e.g. flying from Seattle to Denver, then Denver to Dallas. If you start in Seattle, you must return to Seattle.)
- Flight upgrades or add-ons, such as seat assignment or luggage fees.
- Private jets or leased planes
- Rental cars
- Hotel stays for travelers living within 50 miles (shortest distance) of the workshop location.
- AirBnBs
- Camping fees
- Parking fees
- Food, per diem or room service
- In room entertainment, such as movies
- Alcohol
- Laundry
- Mileage
- Ground transportation
- Travel insurance
Address: 1672 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80202 8
Phone: (303) 572.9100
Travel support recipients will receive hotel discount code via email.
PLEASE NOTE: Ground transportation is NOT included with travel support.
Distance From Hotel: 27.2 Miles
Transportation Options
- Airport Transportation: Denver Airport Shuttle $25.00 - One-way
Reservation Required:(303) 332.7307
- Airport Train Station to Union Station: ride the(approximately 37 minutes)
BoardThe A Line - located at the SOUTH end of the Jeppesen Terminal (main terminal), LEVEL 5 - adjacent to the Westin DIA Hotel.
Service Frequency:approximately every 15 minutes during peak hours (5:00 am-8:00 pm) and 30 minutes for early/late service.
Cost: Tickets for the Train Ride are $10.00. You can pre-purchase your train ticket on the app. Tickets can also be purchased on rail line platforms at ticket vending machines at the station, inside the Union Station or at any RTD sales outlet.
Download the freeThe app can also be found on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Getting from Union Station to the WESTIN Denver Downtown:
- Board the “16th Street Free Ride” from Union Station to Lawrence Street (6 blocks) or
- Walk 0.3 miles = about a 9 min walk heading SOUTH on 17th street.
PLEASE NOTE: Ground transportation is NOT included with travel support.
If you are driving:
1.The Westin Denver Downtown offers 24/7 valet parking and access to a connected self-park garage.
Valet Parking is available 24/7 at the hotel entrance.
For the most up-to-date valet parking rates, please contact the hotel directly at 303.572.9100
– It is also possible to purchase hourly parking at the Westin Denver Valet Only garage.
2. – Self Parking located at 1672 Lawrence Street. Operating Hours are 24/7
Meals will be provided during the workshop. All meals are buffet style and include gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options.
- Tuesday, June 2 includes breakfast, lunch, and an evening reception dinner.
- Wednesday, June 3 includes breakfastandlunch
Travel support does NOT include per diem, room service, alcohol or reimbursement for purchased meals.
The Westin also offers three dining options in-house, or explore Denver's most popular magazine, “,” for unique local spots to discover on your own.
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, there is alsoa right across from Union Station, about 6 blocks from the hotel.
More information to come closer to event date.
You should have already completed the following steps to ensure access to the hands-on sessions.
Step 1:
Verify or Create Your ACCESS ID
To use the workshop computing resources, you must have an ACCESS account and be able to log in successfully using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) via Duo.
If you already have an ACCESS ID, please log in to the to confirm that your credentials work and that you can authenticate using MFA (Duo).
If you do not have an ACCESS ID, you can create one by visiting.
Step 2:
Once your account is created, ensure that you can log in to the portal and successfully authenticate using MFA (Duo).
Need Help Troubleshooting ACCESS ID and MFA Login Issues?
- If you have any issues with creating an ACCESS ID or logging in using MFA (Duo), please submit a support ticket using the link below.
- In the Summary field, enter: "Setting up ACCESS ID for NAIRR Workshop".
- In the Description section, please provide details about your problem so our support team can assist you promptly.
We will have a Slack Channel for the workshop. We will provide more information closer to the event.
Virtual participants will join the sessions via Zoom. We will provide more information closer to the event.