The Collaborations Workshop 2026 (CW26) will bring together researchers, developers, innovators, managers, funders, publishers, policy makers, leaders and educators to explore best practices and the future of research software. CW26 will centre around one powerful theme and clear purpose: Strengthening the Research Software Community. Research software is at the heart of discovery, innovation, and trust in research. Yet, its future depends on the strength of the people and communities behind it. Together, we will explore how to build a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystem that empowers practitioners, researchers, developers, and advocates alike. We’ll focus on fostering national and international collaboration, supporting career development across all stages, and embedding equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our collective practices. We'll also examine the evolving role of shaping responsible, high-quality research, from AI and data infrastructure to reproducibility, policy, and public trust.