Call for Nominations: Innovations in Networking awards

Through its Innovations in Networking Awards, CENIC seeks to recognize exemplary people, projects, and organizations that leverage the California Research and Education Network (CalREN). Awards are given to projects and individuals active during 2025 that transform how instruction and research are conducted; further broadband deployment in underserved areas; strengthen cybersecurity and privacy; and foster new statewide, national, and global collaborations.

Awards are given in six categories:

• Experimental Applications
• Educational Applications
• Broadband Applications
• Research
• Corporate Partnerships
• Outstanding Individual Contributions

Awards to be presented at 2026 conference

Awards will be presented at CENIC’s annual conference, The Right Connection, from March 29 to April 1, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey. The conference brings together CENIC’s broad community, with participants from all education segments; public and private research universities; public libraries; scientific, cultural, and performing arts institutions; private sector technology businesses; public policy and government agencies; and R&E partners from across the country and around the world.

The deadline for submission of nominations for the 2026 awards is 5:00 PM on December 1, 2025. Submissions may be made by the individual(s) who worked on the project or by others. Nominations should include all the information requested by the form below. 

General questions may be addressed to Jaime Augst, conference planner, at jaugst@cenic.org.