Schedule

Research and Innovation Month 2026 takes place throughout the entire month of April, kicking off on Thursday, April 2, with the Research and Innovation Month AI Inspired Showcase. Explore the events below, with brief descriptions provided in the accordions on this page.

Research and Innovation Month 2026 Events
Date	Time	Event
April 2	10:30 a.m. to Noon	Research and Innovation Month AI Inspired Showcase University Center Lonestar Ballroom Open to faculty, staff, and students
April 3	11 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Research Development Academy Luncheon University Center By invitation only
April 7	11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Graduate Excellence Awards Recognition Ceremony and Luncheon University Center By invitation only
April 9	5-7 p.m.	3MT^®Competition University Center Anchor Ballroom AB Open to faculty, staff, and students Click here to learn more
April 21	3:30-5 p.m.	Conversation on AI in Research Research Talk University Center Lonestar Ballrooms BC Open to faculty, staff, and students
April 21	5-6:30 p.m.	Faculty and Staff Mixer – Hosted by CPIRA University Center Legacy Hall Open to faculty and staff
April 24	8 a.m. to 5 p.m.	Symposium for Student Innovation, Research, and Creative Activities (SSIRCA) 2026 University Center Open to faculty, staff, and students Click here to learn more
April 27	12:30-1:30 p.m.	Artificial Intelligence in Research: Understanding Regulatory Frameworks and Best Practices Research Café Registration Required. Lunch will be provided. Click here to register
TBD	TBD	Open House Event rescheduled Updated details will be shared soon!

R&I Month Event Descriptions

Toggle the accordions below to learn more about each Research and Innovation Month 2026 event!

10:30 a.m. to noon, University Center Lonestar Ballroom
Open to faculty, staff, and students.

Join us in celebrating the start of Research and Innovation Month with food, fun, and networking! Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with TAMU-CC’s colleges and schools, centers and institutes, and fellow Islanders. Refreshments and appetizers will be provided. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend!

5-7 p.m., University Center Anchor Ballroom AB
Open to faculty, staff, and students.

Watch our outstanding graduate students compete to present their thesis research in just 3 minutes! Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend.

For more information, please contact the Office of Student Research and Innovation at student.research@tamucc.edu.

3:30-5 p.m., University Center Lonestar Ballrooms BC
Open to faculty, staff, and students.

Join us for Conversations on AI in Research - "Staying Competitive in Research When Everyone Uses AI: What Works, What Breaks, and What We Expect at TAMU-CC," featuring Dr. Eric Stern. This discussion will explore the role of artificial intelligence in research, including its applications in decision-making, policy, and interdisciplinary innovation. Drawing from his extensive experience in leadership and research development, Dr. Stern will share insights on how AI is shaping research practices and advancing real-world solutions. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to attend!

5-6:30 p.m., University Center Legacy Hall
Open to faculty and staff.

Take some time out of your day for some great networking, refreshments, appetizers, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the Council of Principal Investigators and Research Administrators (CPIRA) and meet with council members representing the Islander research community. All faculty and staff are invited to stop in and mingle as their schedule permits.

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., University Center
Open to faculty, staff, and students.

Join us for the 2026 Symposium for Student Innovation, Research, and Creative Activities on April 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the University Center. This dynamic event highlights groundbreaking research, creative projects, and performances across all disciplines. All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to attend.

Student registration for 2026 SSIRCA is now closed. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Research and Innovation at student.research@tamucc.edu.

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Join us for the Artificial Intelligence in Research: Understanding Regulatory Frameworks and Best Practices Research Café on April 27 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. Space is limited, and registration is required. Lunch will be provided—please use the form below to secure your spot!

AI in Research: Understanding Regulatory Frameworks and Best Practices Registration Form

Schedule

R&I Month Event Descriptions

April 2: Research and Innovation Month AI Inspired Showcase

April 3: Research Development Academy Luncheon

April 7: Graduate Excellence Awards Recognition Ceremony and Luncheon

April 9: Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition

April 21: Conversation on AI in Research

April 21: Faculty and Staff Mixer – Hosted by CPIRA

April 24: Symposium for Student Innovation, Research, and Creative Activities

April 27: Artificial Intelligence in Research: Understanding Regulatory Frameworks and Best Practices

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