Artificial Intelligence Meets Security (AIMS) Annual Retreat

AIMS ANNUAL RETREAT

The AIMS Annual Retreat (formerly UniBw AI Retreat)  brings together AI researchers from defense universities and representatives from security authorities to foster exchange at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and security studies.

The retreat provides a dedicated space to present research, receive professional feedback, and engage in in-depth discussions with domain experts. A series of specialized lectures further bridges AI and national security, encouraging interdisciplinary perspectives and critical reflection.

Unique Networking
Connect with stakeholders from NATO and allied nations, as well as AI researchers and faculty working at the interface of digital technologies and national security.

Outstanding Keynotes
Engage with internationally recognized keynote speakers in a personal, small-group setting that allows for meaningful exchange.

Research & Feedback
Present your work, receive expert feedback, and build connections with potential mentors and collaborators. The Best Poster Award recognizes outstanding research contributions.

Target Group

This event is open to AI researchers from defense universities as well as participants from security authorities with an interest in Artificial Intelligence.

Please note that the event is not open to private individuals, companies, or researchers from other universities.

Agenda

tba

Research Posters

The retreat includes a research poster session.

We have scheduled three 45-minute sessions. PhD students will present in one session and attend the others as audience members. Senior Researchers and Security Authority Participants are invited to provide feedback and engage in discussion.

PhD Students / Research Associates 

A poster presentation is mandatory.

When registering, please provide:

  • The title of your poster

  • An abstract

  • Optionally, a PDF of your finished poster

You may present your PhD topic or a current research project (published or unpublished). The poster must be related to AI.

Please bring a printed version of your poster to the event (no on-site printing available).

For security-related topics, an additional discussion session with GCMC faculty will be offered. Please indicate this in the registration form.

Senior Researchers / Security Authority Participants

Please attend the poster sessions to explore current research and engage with the presenters. Senior participants are encouraged to provide feedback on research content and applications.

Dates

Registration opens: End of April 2026
Registration deadline: 25 June 2026
Retreat dates: 15–17 July 2026

We will kick off the retreat with an optional evening get-together on 15 July at 18:00. The main program will take place on 16 and 17 July 2026.

Due to the limited number of available places, we kindly ask you to register early. In general, early registrations will be given priority, provided that the submitted topics align with the themes of the lecture days.

Registration

Registration will open end of April

Registration process

1️⃣ Registration with UniBw M

Please first register with UniBw M using the link below. We will review your registration to confirm that you belong to the target group and/or that your research aligns with the event. You will receive a confirmation once your registration has been approved.

  • Junior Researchers (e.g., PhD candidates / Research Associates):
    Please submit a title and an abstract (100–500 words). You may also optionally upload a poster (PDF) presenting your PhD thesis or a current research project (published or unpublished) for the poster session.

  • Senior Researchers (Postdocs, Professors) and Public Sector Participants are warmly invited to review and discuss the research posters.

2️⃣ Registration with GCMC

Once your participation has been confirmed, please use the provided link to register with GCMC.

Please note that the Marshall Center requires either a passport or a national EU ID card for admission. This document must be presented during on-site registration at GCMC.

On the day of the event, please bring the same form of ID that you selected during registration to the entrance gate of the Marshall Center. 

Costs

The retreat is free of charge.

 

Lunch, dinner and the excursion must be paid for by the participants themselves.

Please take care of your own travel expenses and accommodation.

Please make sure you find accommodation in Garmisch in good time (due to high season). Some hotel recommendations are listed below.

What to bring to the Retreat

  • The ID document (passport or EU ID card) that you specified during the Marshall Center registration process (see Registration Process above). This document is required for entry to the Marshall Center.

  • Junior researchers only: A printed copy of the poster you will present. (Please note: There is no on-site printing service.)

Recommended Hotels

The listed hotels are located close to the event venue and are within walking distance.

Army Lodging - Garmisch

Breitenauer Str. 16
82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Distance to the event: 300 m; 5 min per pedes
Single room per night: $120

https://garmisch.armymwr.com/programs/army-lodging-garmisch

Rheinischer Hof

Zugspitzstraße 76
82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Distance to the event: 700 m; 9 min per pedes
Single room per night: tba EUR

www.rheinischerhof-garmisch.de

Contact

John D'Amato
Event Planner
GCMC
john.damato@marshallcenter.org

Dr. Philipp J. Rösch
Event Organizer
UniBw M, ETTI2/MLIG
philipp.roesch@unibw.de

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