Established in 1985 as one of the National Science Foundation’s original Engineering Research Centers, the Institute for Systems Research has grown into a permanent, interdisciplinary research institute within the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland. Today, ISR brings together more than 60 faculty and researchers from across engineering, computer science, mathematics, business, public health and beyond.

On May 21–22, 2026, we will celebrate 40 years of innovation, collaboration and impact.

Join Us

Whether you are an ISR alum, research collaborator, industry partner or friend of the institute, we invite you to celebrate this milestone with us.

Together, we will honor ISR’s past and shape the systems that define the future.

Thursday, May 21

Evening Reception and Anniversary Dinner
A celebration of ISR’s interdisciplinary roots and distinguished alumni.

5:30 p.m.

Opening Reception

6:00 p.m.

Dinner Begins

6:15 p.m.

Welcome

Alireza Khaligh

Interim Director 

Institute for Systems Research

6:25 p.m.

Distinguished Alumni Address

TBD

6:55 p.m.

Legacy Recognition

 

Recognition of founding and former ISR leadership.

TBD

7:05 p.m.

Industry - Alumni Address

TBD

7:35 p.m.

ISR@40 Commemorative Video

John S. Baras

Distinguished University Professor

Lockheed Martin Chair in Systems Engineering

Founding Director, Institute for Systems Research

7:45 p.m.

Closing Toast

 

Followed by networking until the end of the event.

Alireza Khaligh

Interim Director 

Institute for Systems Research

Friday, May 22

Full-Day Symposium: Systems Research for the Next 40 Years
A forward-looking program featuring leaders from academia, industry and federal research agencies, along with a student research showcase.

The program will highlight ISR’s evolution, current impact across sectors and future directions in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, autonomy and neuroscience.

9:00 a.m.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

(Interim Director Khaligh will speak first and introduce Dean Graham.)

Alireza Khaligh

Interim Director
Institute for Systems Research

 

Samuel Graham

Dean
A. James Clark School of Engineering

9:15 a.m.

Keynote Address

TBD

Morning Session: ISR’s Past and Present

9:45 a.m.

Industry Perspective

TBD

10:15 a.m.

Academia/Research Perspective

TBD

10:45 a.m.

Government Perspective

TBD

11:15 a.m.

Neuroscience Perspective

TBD

11:45 a.m.

Student Poster Session and Working Lunch

12:45 p.m.

Featured Presentation

 

Evolution of ISR: 

Past, Present and Future

TBD

Afternoon Session: The Future of Systems Research

1:15 p.m.

Artificial Intelligence

Semiconductors

Quantum

TBD

2:15 p.m.

Future-Focused Discussion: What’s Next for ISR

Moderated by TBD

3:00 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Alireza Khaligh

Interim Director 

Institute for Systems Research

We would love to learn about your news as you advance in your career: projects you're working on, new positions you take, promotions, tenure, patents, books, awards—anything of interest. Use the box below to tell us what you're up to... we may mention you on the website or in the ISR newsletter!
Major(s)
Please tell us about your main interests
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Top