Connect. Collaborate. Move Ideas Forward.
November 1–3, 2026 | Sanford Underground Research Facility
Building on two years of connections and conversations, the 2026 Higher Education Connections Workshop will focus on identifying shared priorities, developing partnerships, and taking practical steps toward collaborative initiatives across South Dakota.
A little preparation will help us make the most of our time together. Here's what to know before you arrive.
At a Glance | How to Prepare
|
Activity |
What You Need to Do |
|
Institutional Sharing |
Prepare: Coordinate a 10-minute presentation with your institution (up to 3 slides). |
|
Challenge Question |
Consider: Reflect on the question below and opportunities for collaboration. |
|
Collaboration Lab |
Bring an idea: Think about an opportunity, challenge, or initiative worth exploring with others. |
|
Funded Project Updates |
Selected presenters only: Prepare a brief update if contacted. |
|
SURF & Institute Videos |
Recommended: Watch two short videos before attending. |
1. Breaking Down the Silos | Institutional Sharing
10 minutes per institution | Up to 3 slides
Each institution will briefly introduce its representatives, highlight current initiatives, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Please coordinate one presentation per institution covering:
- Who We Are: Representatives attending, areas of expertise, research, initiatives, and resources.
- Where We're Headed: Emerging priorities and opportunities.
- Where We Could Collaborate: Ideas or initiatives that could benefit from partnerships, shared expertise, or resources.
Keep it high-level. The goal isn't a comprehensive institutional overview, but to help participants discover connections and opportunities worth exploring together.
2. A Challenge to Consider
As we look toward the future, consider one overarching question:
What must South Dakota do collectively over the next decade to strengthen its position in science, technology, research, and innovation—and what can we begin doing together now?
Consider where collaboration could make the greatest difference, what expertise or resources we could better leverage, and what actions we could begin taking together.
3. Collaboration Lab | From Ideas to Action
Approximately 2½ hours of facilitated working sessions
A significant portion of the workshop will be dedicated to exploring shared opportunities and developing ideas for collaboration.
Come with an idea, challenge, or opportunity that could benefit from collaboration. You don't need a developed proposal.
Potential discussion areas include:
- Collaborative Research & Funding: Joint research, grants, and shared resources.
- Student Research & Workforce Pathways: Experiential learning, research opportunities, and workforce development.
- AI & Emerging Technology: Applications and challenges in research and higher education.
- STEM Education & Outreach: Strengthening STEM education and engagement.
Working group priorities will be shaped by participant interests and discussions during the workshop.
Our goal is for each group to identify:
- An opportunity or initiative worth pursuing.
- Potential partners and resources needed to advance it.
- Practical next steps and individuals willing to help move it forward.
4. Funded Project Updates
10 minutes per project | Up to 3 slides
Selected presenters will provide brief updates on collaborative projects, highlighting:
- Project purpose, progress, and key accomplishments.
- Challenges, lessons learned, or emerging needs.
- Opportunities for additional collaboration.
Presenters will receive instructions individually.
5. Get to Know SURF and the Institute
Before attending, we encourage you to watch two short videos introducing SURF's research environment and the Institute's role in advancing scientific collaboration.
SURF Event in Sioux Falls showcasing the lab
6. Optional Underground Tour
An underground tour will be offered Tuesday afternoon, November 3, immediately following the workshop.
Space is limited, and advance site access approval is required.
Participants who indicated interest during registration will receive additional instructions.
Questions? Contact Christopher Kreitzinger at ckreitzinger@sanfordlab.org.
What to Bring & Wear
- Attire: Business casual; dress in layers for varying room temperatures.
- Bring: A laptop or tablet if desired, and ideas or opportunities to explore during the Collaboration Lab.
- Come ready to engage! The workshop emphasizes discussion, shared expertise, and collaboration.
Let's Move Ideas Forward!
Building on the connections of the past two years, come ready to share your expertise, exchange ideas, and identify practical ways to collaborate beyond the workshop.