IMCI News: Admin Retreat is a Success!
IMCI is excited to share the success of this year’s Admin Team Retreat! Over the weekend of February 6th, 2026, we gathered in rainy Spokane to discuss many high order objects related to the future of our institute’s operations as well as aims for the new near.
We kicked off the retreat on Friday evening where guests and the admin team joined together around dinner with a stimulating discussion on modeling, AI ethics, and our take on the “Commandments of modeling”.
After a night’s rest at the Spokane Club, we rejoined in the Gourmet room and discussed new and sustainable models for the Modeling Core—proposing better ways in which to connect researchers with modelers.
We took a short break and resumed discussion, this time focusing on the rapid growth of our community, which to no surprise bled into and underpinned much of the future discussion. At times discussions were heated, and grenades were frequently thrown into the room, though we remained civil and got ideas on the table.
As Saturday marched on, coffee pots drained and clock tower bells rang. We continued the day with a lighthearted discussion of swag which led to ideas of awards, celebrations, networking, and social events on the horizon, further promoting our grassroots initiative which IMCI has become known for.
Finally, the bombshell topic, “how to spend accumulating F&A returns?”.
We ended Saturday evening, parties going their own ways for dinner. Resuming on Sunday morning, the IMCI crew demonstrated a passion for connecting with our science community, proposing retreats, more accessible funding opportunities, and vigorous and intentional networking and matchmaking efforts. The admin team parted ways that afternoon, heading back home, the Winter Olympics and Superbowl LX overhead.
The retreat was a major success with our institute now heading forwards with much clearer directions than before. No doubt, we have some exciting things in store just around the corner!
