On the road to the next generation of scientific repositories
May 12-13 | 2026 | Warsaw
University of Warsaw | Poland | Spring 2026
We are delighted to invite you to The Big Migration – On the Road to the Next Generation of Scoentific Repositories, the region’s premier conference for DSpace professionals across Central & Eastern Europe.
This international event brings together repository managers, librarians, IT specialists, research administrators and policy makers from universities, research institutes and cultural heritage organisations across Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Romania, Bulgaria and beyond. Expect a thoughtfully curated programme that combines practical insights, forward-looking perspectives and a highly interactive professional experience.
The Big Migration 2026 focuses on the major transformations shaping today’s repository landscape – from large-scale migrations to DSpace 8 and DSpace 9 and DSpace-CRIS, through legacy-to-modern transitions, to the integration of AI-driven tools and enhanced metadata interoperability.
Through keynote talks, case studies, hands-on workshops and expert panel discussions, the conference will showcase real-world solutions, technical innovation and governance strategies that enable institutions to modernise their repositories, ensure sustainability, and amplify their research visibility on a global scale.
Beyond the sessions, The Big Migration is designed to foster meaningful collaboration and community growth. Structured networking activities, regional working groups and an exhibitor area will help you connect with peers, share experiences, and build strategic partnerships across the CEE research ecosystem. Whether you are planning your institution’s migration, exploring CRIS integration or developing AI-enhanced workflows, this is the place to exchange expertise and shape the future of open repositories in the region.
08:00 - 09:15 | PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION & COFFEE NETWORKING
09:15 - 10:00 | OPENING REMARKS
10:00 - 10:30 | INTRODUCING CO-HOST: DSPACE CASE STUDY #1 – DSPACE FOR THE BIGGEST ONES
10:30 - 11:00 | KEYNOTE 1: TO BE ESTABLISHED
11:00 - 11:45 | COFFEE BREAK
11:45 - 13:15 | SESSION 1: MIGRATION TO DSPACE 8 AND DSPACE CRIS
13:15 - 14:15 | LUNCH
15:15 - 16:15 | SESSION 2: LEGACY-TO-NEW MIGRATION AND GLOBAL VISIBILITY
16:15 - 16:30 | CLOSING REMARKS ON DAY 1
19:00 - 23:00 | GALA DINNER
08:00 - 09:00 | WELCOME COFFEE
09:00 - 10:30 | DSPACE POLAND GROUP MEETING AND WORKSHOP – CONDUCTED IN POLISH, GROUP AND NON-GROUP MEMBERS WELCOMED
10:30 - 11:00 | KEYNOTE 2: TO BE ESTABLISHED
11:00 - 11:45 | PANEL DISCUSSION: SUSTAINABILITY & GOVERNANCE MODELS FOR REPOSITORY MIGRATION
11:45 - 12:30 | COFFEE BREAK
12:30 - 14:00 | SESSION 3: AI-POWERED REPOSITORY WORKFLOWS
14:00 - 14:45 | SESSION 4: MIGRATING MUSEUM, ART AND DESIGN COLLECTIONS INTO DSPACE
14:45 - 15:00 | CLOSING REMARKS & NEXT STEPS
15:00 - 16:00 | LUNCH, EXCHANGING BUSINESS CARDS AND FAREWELL
Secure your place at The Big Migration 2026 and be part of the conversation shaping the next generation of open research infrastructure.
Early registration ensures access to limited-capacity workshops, networking sessions, and curated regional meetings.
Don’t miss the opportunity to:
Join the The Big Migration community and take your repository forward — faster, smarter, together.
Please note that places are limited.
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