About

The 2026 IOOS Community Modeling Workshop will convene participants from NOAA, IOOS Regional Associations, academic institutions, industry, national centers, and other federal agencies to participate in interactive sessions designed to align on operational coastal and ocean modeling priorities. The workshop will strengthen coordination across modeling efforts, discuss innovations and model coupling, and identify actionable pathways for advancing research-to-operations (R2O), R2O2R outcomes, and integration with large frameworks such as the Unified Forecast System (UFS). Building on lessons learned and recommendations from the 2021 Community Modeling Workshop, the 2026 workshop will move beyond foundational discussions toward shared definitions, coordinated strategy, and implementable next steps.

This workshop will emphasize:

• Coordination across organizations to align efforts, connect communities, and break down silos
• A clear operational lens focused on NOS/IOOS priorities and requirements
• A clear understanding and future direction of model consolidation and coordination including shared language, parameters, and implications
• Community input to inform NOAA direction, frameworks, and transition pathways
• Innovations in data assimilation, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence/machine learning
• Concrete outcomes and recommendations to guide future investments and sustained future collaboration

When

July 28-30, 2026

Where

Washington, D.C.

Exact location TBD

Agenda

Coming soon!

Expect an interactive workshop with session formats such as: 

• Plenary Sessions: Opening remarks, keynotes, and community updates.
• Thematic Breakouts: Facilitated discussions around major themes (e.g., data assimilation, cloud computing, R2O processes).
• Working Sessions: Small group problem-solving around specific challenges or future initiatives.
• Demos & Resource Exchanges: Stations showcasing model products, tools, or user applications.
• Community Forum: Collaborative board for sharing resources, needs, and takeaways.
• Social & Networking Elements: Icebreakers and end-of-day reflection sessions to build connections.

Registration

Coming soon!

There will not be a registration fee for this workshop.

Nearby Airports

Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)

Washington Dulles International (IAD)

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI)

Transportation

Coming soon!

Accommodations 

Coming soon!

Weather

July in Washington, D.C. is hot and humid! Daytime highs are typically in the upper 80s while nighttime lows fall in the upper 60s and 70s. Short rainstorms are fairly common during this time of year.