The University of New Mexico is set to host Tech Days 2026 on Wednesday and Thursday, April 29-30. This event aims to unite faculty, staff, and students in a spirited exploration of emerging technologies through a variety of presentations, discussions, and interactive demonstrations.
Presented by the UNM Office of the Chief Information Officer, this annual event offers free sessions that showcase current and upcoming technology initiatives throughout the campus. The programming will take place at the Student Union Building, fostering an environment that encourages collaboration, learning, and innovation within the university community.
Registration for Tech Days 2026 is available online, and participants are encouraged to sign up early, as many sessions tend to fill up quickly.
This year’s event places a significant focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Attendees can look forward to sessions that delve into the applications, ethical considerations, and influence of AI in higher education. Key topics will include AI-driven decision-making, policy development, and the cutting-edge infrastructure and tools that bolster research and campus operations.
Highlighted sessions will include discussions on cultivating trustworthy artificial intelligence and actively shaping UNM’s AI policies. Participants will engage in conversations about the responsible use of AI in critical areas such as admissions, employment, and financial aid. Additional sessions will showcase new AI platforms, high-performance computing environments, and the expanding role of machine learning within university systems and research initiatives.
A noteworthy keynote presentation will be delivered by Bernardo J. Gallegos, staff adviser for UNM Esports and technical analyst at UNM IT and UNM Bookstores. His talk, titled “UNM Esports: A Brief History of Engaging a New Subculture,” will explore the rise of esports as both a cultural phenomenon and a professional avenue while emphasizing the importance of community building and student involvement.
Some additional sessions of interest include:
Be a Part of Developing Trustworthy AI Policy led by a panel of experts, including:
- Melanie Moses, Professor, Computer Science
- Sonia Gipson Rankin, Professor, School of Law
- Stephanie Moore, Associate Professor, CULLS OILS
- Kathy Powers, Associate Professor, Africana Studies Department
- Grace Faustino, Manager, IT Services, Office of the Vice President for Research
Imagine AI that addresses your needs and resolves concerns without the drawbacks of existing AI tools. Join fellow students, faculty, and staff for a discussion aimed at envisioning the future of AI at UNM, which will guide the university’s policies, tools, capabilities, and strategies for trustworthy AI.
Another significant discussion, titled Co-designing UNM’s AI Policies and Decision Making, will feature a panel that includes:
- Stephanie Moore, Associate Professor, OILS
- Kathy Powers, Professor, Political Science
- Melanie Moses, Professor, Computer Science
- Sonia Gipson Rankin, Professor, School of Law
- Grace Faustino, Manager, IT Services
- Todd Quinn, Associate Professor, CULLS
This panel will examine how AI is utilized in significant decision-making processes, covering the practical, ethical, and legal ramifications. If you are an administrator, student, or faculty member who influences decisions on employment, admissions, financial aid, or grading, this conversation is particularly relevant for you.
Beyond its AI-centric offerings, Tech Days 2026 will also feature the New Mexico Open Educational Resources track, which showcases innovative teaching, learning, and accessibility methods through open materials and AI-assisted educational frameworks.
Tech Days offers a unique opportunity for attendees to engage directly with campus experts, industry colleagues, and peers while gaining insights into the tools and strategies that will shape the technological future at UNM.
For more information regarding Tech Days 2026, including the complete program and registration details, please visit techdays.unm.edu.
