The 2026 Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research (PAWR) PI Meeting was held on September 28 at George Washington University in Washington, DC. The meeting brought together researchers, platform teams, and partners from across the PAWR community to discuss advances in wireless research and the future of advanced wireless testbeds. The agenda featured platform and research presentations from POWDER, COSMOS, AERPAW, and ARA, along with discussions on RF data, wireless research priorities, and government perspectives on the future of wireless research. AERPAW was featured with a platform presentation followed by research presentations from William Bjorndahl of Southern Methodist University and Prasad Calyam of the University of Missouri. The day concluded with a networking reception bringing together PAWR researchers, partners, and colleagues.
MERIF26 (Midscale Experimental Research Infrastructure Forum) brought together NSF-supported research infrastructure providers and users under the theme “Elevating User Impact.” The workshop focused on sharing best practices, reducing barriers to accessing research infrastructure, and strengthening collaboration across the CISE community.Key topics included:
- Mid-scale research infrastructure and testbeds
- User experiences and research successes
- Managing and proposing mid-scale infrastructure
- Community building and collaboration
The two-day event included sessions, hands-on tutorials, expert panels, and networking opportunities.Participants had the opportunity to learn about different testbeds, exchange experiences, and connect with researchers and infrastructure operators working across the broader research community.MERIF26 provided another opportunity for the advanced wireless and testbed community to connect, share knowledge, and discuss the future of experimental research infrastructure.
