AI is now essential in research, education, and industry. AI Days 2026 brings together Vanderbilt’s community of AI researchers, educators, and practitioners for two days of hands-on workshops, breakthrough research presentations, and practical skills training. Explore the foundations of AI, work confidently with the latest models, and examine the ethical and social implications shaping our field—while building collaborations across domains.
March 4th – 5th
Holiday Inn Vanderbilt (West End)
Come with Ideas. Leave with Solutions.
This 2-day event, scheduled for March 4th-5th, brings together Vanderbilt's community of researchers, educators, and practitioners. Space is limited, and registration is reviewed to ensure the best possible experience for all attendees. Participants will explore how generative AI and agentic systems can enhance their research, teaching, and daily academic work. and ensure that they are up to date in this rapidly evolving landscape. For faculty and students that will be teaching AI models or using AI models in their classroom or research, this event offers essential topics.
AI Days 2026 features two focused tracks across two days. Day 1 explores AI literacy and strategic thinking — how large language models actually work, the ethics of AI in research, and the psychology of human-AI collaboration. Day 2 is hands-on: building AI research assistants, creating research tools without coding, and designing AI-enhanced courses. Full session descriptions and timing drop February 20.
Block your calendars now. Two full days of workshops, presentations, and networking with colleagues from across Vanderbilt. Registration is open. Two full days of workshops, presentations, and networking with colleagues from across Vanderbilt.
AI Days 2026 is hosted by Vanderbilt's College of Connected Computing (CCC) and the Data Science Institute (DSI), bringing together faculty, staff, and students from across campus to explore how AI is transforming research, education, and practice.
AI Days 2026 is designed for the Vanderbilt community. Seating is limited and allocated to best serve those whose work and research will benefit most from the program."
Faculty & Researchers: Priority registration. Secure your seat as soon as registration opens.
Staff & Community Members: Registration is available while capacity allows.
Students & External Guests: Seats are offered on a space-available basis. Submitting a registration request does not guarantee a confirmed spot. You'll receive a confirmation email once your request has been reviewed.
This year, AI Days moves to the Holiday Inn Vanderbilt on West End. The venue offers dedicated breakout rooms for hands-on workshops, a large main session space, and convenient parking right behind the building. Everything under one roof—no crossing campus between sessions.
Attendees receive priority access to AI consulting hours with the DSI team after the event — dedicated time to help you implement what you envision building at AI Days.
AI Days 2026 sessions are led by your colleagues from across Vanderbilt's Data Science Institute and College of Connected Computing.
Wednesday, March 4 | 9AM–5PM
Thursday, March 5 | 9AM–4PM
AI Days 2025 brought together over 150 faculty, staff, and students for two days of hands-on workshops, research presentations, and networking. Sessions covered everything from AI agents and reinforcement learning to AI in education and ethical considerations. Attendees praised the interactive format and practical focus. This year, we're building on that momentum with expanded sessions, new topics, and more opportunities to connect with colleagues across Vanderbilt.
Two full days. Twelve sessions. Here's what's confirmed:
Full schedule and session details drop February 20. Space is limited, so submit your registration request early to be considered for a confirmed seat.