CARNATIONS-Days 2026

CARNATIONS Days 2026 is the annual gathering of researchers, students, industry leaders, government agencies, and transportation professionals working to advance assured and resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies for connected and automated transportation systems.

Hosted by the University of California, Riverside, this two-day workshop provides a platform for the CARNATIONS Center community to share research progress, discuss emerging challenges, strengthen collaborations, and define priorities for the coming year. Participants will engage in technical presentations, panel discussions, demonstrations, networking opportunities, and strategic planning sessions focused on improving the resilience of transportation systems.

The workshop will highlight advances in GNSS resilience, GPS jamming and spoofing mitigation, connected and automated vehicles, V2X communications, artificial intelligence for resilient navigation, testing and evaluation, alternative PNT technologies, and workforce development initiatives supported by the Center.

Whether you are a researcher, student, government representative, or industry partner, CARNATIONS Days offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, explore collaborative research opportunities, and help shape the future of resilient transportation.

Keynote Speaker

Prakash Sah, P.E.

Chief, Division of Research, Innovation and System Information (DRISI)
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

Thursday, July 16, 2026

CARNATIONS Days 2026 is pleased to welcome Prakash Sah, P.E., Chief of the Division of Research, Innovation and System Information (DRISI) at the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), as the Day 2 Keynote Speaker.

As Division Chief, Mr. Sah provides executive leadership for Caltrans' statewide transportation research, innovation, enterprise data, and system information programs. He oversees a diverse research portfolio supported by federal transportation research programs and the State Highway Account, guiding initiatives that improve transportation safety, mobility, sustainability, infrastructure resilience, and operational performance through research, technology transfer, and data-driven decision-making.

In addition to leading Caltrans' research efforts, Mr. Sah directs enterprise programs in geospatial information, data governance, highway system information, and innovation that support transportation agencies and partners across California.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sah has advanced the implementation of emerging technologies and applied research, including sustainable infrastructure materials, energy-efficient transportation technologies, and analytical tools that strengthen transportation planning and system performance. He is a strong advocate for collaboration among government, academia, and industry to accelerate innovation and develop practical transportation solutions with national impact.

Event Details

Dates
Wednesday, July 15 – Thursday, July 16, 2026

Workshop Venue
California Air Resources Board (CARB)
4001 Iowa Avenue
Riverside, California 92507

What to Expect

• Research presentations from CARNATIONS investigators across partner institutions
• Updates on ongoing and newly funded research projects
• Technical discussions on resilient PNT technologies and transportation security
• Student research presentations and networking opportunities
• Industry and government partner engagement
• FY27 planning and collaboration sessions
• Hosted networking reception and dinner
• Opportunities to connect with researchers, transportation agencies, and industry leaders

Who Should Attend

• Faculty and researchers
• Graduate and undergraduate students
• Industry professionals
• Government agency representatives
• Transportation practitioners
• Technology developers
• Current and prospective CARNATIONS partners

Registration

Registration is required for all attendees. Additional event information, the agenda, and attendee resources will be shared with registered participants prior to the workshop.

We look forward to welcoming you to Riverside for two days of collaboration, innovation, and discussions that will help advance resilient transportation systems.

Use the link below to register:

https://www.cert.ucr.edu/carnations-2026

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