RDA 27th Plenary Meeting: An In-Person Gathering
The Research Data Alliance (RDA) 27th Plenary Meeting (P27) will take place at The Kia Oval, London, United Kingdom, from 6th to 8th October 2026 as an in-person event. We recognise this format marks a significant shift from recent practice and may prevent some community members from participating- a decision we have not taken lightly.
Since 2020, RDA plenary meetings have been either fully virtual or hybrid, ensuring broad accessibility during and beyond the pandemic. P27 represents a deliberate pilot of a new approach: pairing an in-person plenary in the second half of each year with a fully virtual plenary in the first half. This model aims to balance the distinct benefits of both formats whilst ensuring equitable opportunities for engagement throughout the year.
Enhancing the In-Person Experience
Working closely with our local hosts, UKRI, we are developing new components specifically designed to welcome newcomers and facilitate deeper involvement in RDA activities. We understand that active participation – whether through presenting, chairing sessions, or contributing to group discussions – strengthens the case for travel investment and enriches the cross-pollination of ideas that makes RDA distinctive.
Past surveys consistently highlight what participants value most about in-person attendance: the global networking opportunities and the serendipitous conversations across disciplines and stakeholder communities that are difficult to replicate virtually.
The Reality of Hybrid Delivery
Delivering high-quality hybrid events requires substantial resources. The audio-visual equipment, technical staff, and platform support necessary to serve virtual participants well represents a considerable cost that, in recent years, could no longer be offset by in-person and virtual registration fees alone. As conference costs rise and sponsorship becomes increasingly challenging to secure, we must make strategic choices about where to invest our limited resources.
When we ask attendees – whether in person or virtual – to pay registration fees, they rightly expect excellent service. This pilot allows us to focus our efforts on creating an outstanding experience for those who can attend in London whilst developing a robust virtual alternative in March 2027 for those who cannot.
After the event
Community members who were unable to attend will be able to access the RDA group sessions’ breakout meeting notes and the slidesets / powerpoint presentations made available by the session organisers. As there is no suitable audio visual equipment in the breakout rooms, no recordings will be made or published. The RDA Secretariat and Technical Advisory Board will deliver reports on the content presented and feedback received. This pilot will be evaluated and discussed with Council and relevant RDA governance boards after the event to ensure that the RDA continues to deliver value to stakeholders and support the advancement of open and collaborative research data practices globally.
Hilary Hanahoe, RDA Secretary General