NetDRIVE Autumn Gathering 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

The NetDRIVE community in Bristol from 4 to 6 November 2026 to galvanise collective action toward more sustainable digital research infrastructure.

Hosted by UWE Bristol’s Digital Cultures Research Centre, the meeting will take place at Watershed, a values-led cultural organisation on Bristol’s Harbourside. The 3-day event focuses on building the shared capacities to drive transformative change in sustainable computing.

Please see a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the event.

Q: Is travel and accommodation support available to help people attend the event?

Please indicate if you need support to attend the event by selecting that option when you register, the NetDRIVE team will then contact you to request details. We are able cover the cost of return train tickets for some attendees, subject to justification, availability and funds. In some circumstances we may also be able to offer funding towards overnight accommodation, subject to justification, availability and funds.

Q: I'm keen to attend but I am unable to join in person. Will there be the option to stream?

We intend to run the meeting primarily as an in-person event, but due to demand we have decided to make most of day 2 a hybrid option, with streamed presentations. Please select the 'Online option' when you register for the event, and we will send you joining instructions for the online sessions ahead of the meeting.

Q: Will there be recordings of the sessions available?

Yes, subject to agreement from speakers, we will provide access to a recordings for a limited period after the meeting. This will only be provided for some sessions on Day 2.

Q: On day 2 there will be presentations on the NetDRIVE community projects, it would be great to have a little detail on the time/format for this?

NetDRIVE Community project leaders have been invited to present a lightning talk of up to 5 mins, a slide a minute. This will leave room for questions, discussion and mutual exchange. All Community project leaders have been emailed with instructions to send their presentations to the organisers by Wednesday October 21st 2026. If you are a Community project leader and haven’t received this email, get in touch with dcrc@uwe.ac.uk

Q: For those who are new to the NetDRIVE initiative, how can I find out more? And what are the current opportunities to get involved?

An outline of the project is available here. At the moment, a key way to get involved is to consider joining a Working Group. Another way is to contribute to Break Out sessions on Day 3 which provide an opportunity for meeting delegates to exchange and explore different views on the topics raised and as a means to share ideas from the community. Finally get involved in the Edinburgh focus workshop on Defining Green Leadership in Digital Research on 17th November 2027.