This focus area delves into strategies, programs, and solutions to improve digital access and equity for communities across all demographics. Presentations in this category can showcase innovative approaches to connectivity, affordable access, and skill-building, with an emphasis on reaching historically underrepresented populations.

Suggested Presentation Topics

• Appropriate Devices & Technical Support: Implementing solutions for providing affordable, reliable devices and ongoing technical support to underserved populations.
• Digital Equity Coalitions & Digital Inclusion Ecosystems: Developing partnerships and networks to create sustainable digital inclusion initiatives.
• Digital Inclusion Data & Research: Leveraging data to identify digital access disparities, measure progress, and inform equitable policies.
• Program Management & Sustainability: Best practices for managing, funding, and scaling sustainable digital inclusion programs.
• Addressing Under-Represented Populations: Tailored programs for older adults, individuals with disabilities, justice-impacted populations, insecurely housed individuals, and other historically excluded groups.
• Digital Navigator Programs: Community-driven initiatives that empower individuals by helping them access and effectively use digital tools and resources.
• Digital Skills Development: Innovative education models, curriculum design, and strategies for increasing digital literacy and adoption.
• Policy Advocacy: Exploring local, state, and federal policies that advance digital inclusion and equity.
• Low-Cost Connectivity Models: Examining community broadband initiatives and strategies to deliver affordable internet access.
• Special Topics or Intersecting Areas: Creative and emerging trends and other cross-sector innovations supporting digital access.

Why This Focus Area Matters

Digital inclusion is a fundamental pillar for fostering innovation, promoting equity, and unlocking opportunities. Presenters are invited to share their work that empowers communities, removes barriers, and lays the foundation for a digitally connected and equitable future.

This focus area explores the transformative power of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to advance industries, improve digital experiences, and empower communities. Presentations in this category can highlight novel AI-driven tools, frameworks, and innovations that address real-world challenges across sectors while prioritizing ethical considerations and inclusive design.

Suggested Presentation Topics

• Responsible AI & Ethical Frameworks: Balancing innovation with transparency, fairness, and accountability.
• AI for Social Good: Leveraging AI solutions to address societal challenges, from healthcare disparities to educational gaps.
• Emerging Trends & Research: Harnessing technologies like generative AI, robotics, and real-time data analytics for impact.
• AI-Driven Personalization: Strategies for creating engaging digital experiences and tailored user journeys.
• AI in Education & Workforce Development: Preparing organizations and learners for an AI-centric world.
• Human-Centered Design Principles: Ensuring AI solutions remain accessible and equitable for all communities.
• Data Governance & Security: Safeguarding data privacy and implementing responsible data management practices.
• Program Funding & Scalability: Sustaining successful AI initiatives through grants, partnerships, and long-term support.
• Cross-Sector Collaborations: Building alliances between tech, government, academia, and industry for broader AI adoption.
• Special Topics or Intersecting Areas: Innovative and creative approaches that push boundaries in AI research and application.

Why This Focus Area Matters

AI is reshaping every facet of our digital landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities to drive efficiency, uncover new solutions, and open pathways to economic growth. By fostering responsible development and deployment of these technologies, we can ensure a future that is inclusive, transparent, and poised to meet society’s evolving needs.

This combined focus area addresses both the advanced research infrastructures that power innovation and the current and emerging threats that challenge the safety and integrity of our digital world. Presentations in this category may explore strategies for fortifying systems, educating communities, establishing robust policies, and developing next-generation infrastructures that support scientific discovery and high-speed data collaboration. From small organizations to global enterprises, cyber risks and infrastructure needs impact all who rely on digital connectivity and research capabilities.

Suggested Presentation Topics

Cyberinfrastructure

• Cyberinfrastructure Sessions will explore the future of digital research infrastructures by examining how next-generation innovations can revolutionize connectivity and data management for research. Participants will delve into network architectures and emerging technologies that enable robust, high-speed research networking.

Cybersecurity

• Data Privacy & Encryption Techniques: Ensuring secure storage, transmission, and handling of sensitive information.
• Cybersecurity Education & Awareness: Empowering individuals and organizations to recognize and address security threats.
• Securing Emerging Technologies: Preparing for vulnerabilities introduced by AI, IoT, and other disruptive innovations.
• Incident Recovery & Business Continuity: Strategies to minimize downtime and maintain critical services.
• Public-Private Collaborations: Building partnerships that strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and policies.
• Special Topics or Intersecting Areas: Novel or cross-sector insights that further safeguard digital ecosystems.

Why This Focus Area Matters

As technology evolves, so do the demands on our networks and computing capabilities, along with the threats and vulnerabilities that can undermine trust and compromise sensitive data. By building robust cyberinfrastructure and adopting a security-first mindset, organizations and communities can confidently innovate while protecting their most valuable digital assets. This track offers a forum for insights, strategies, and collaborations that strengthen both the digital backbone of research and the defenses critical to sustaining our increasingly connected world.