2026 Earth System Science Conference

This award supports a conference that brings together graduate students working across the full suite of earth system science topics including the science of the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and land surface. The conference provides a forum for early-career scientists to share research, build professional networks, and develop communication and leadership skills. ESS research provides valuable guidance to decision-makers tasked with addressing extreme weather risk, water management, wildfires, air quality, energy production, national security, agriculture, fisheries, and other issues of national need. A common thread in all of these areas is the breadth of disciplines and range of tools required to advance the relevant science and apply it to the problems at hand. By bringing together students from across the ESS disciplines the conference ensures that the STEM workforce includes practitioners who have the skills, knowledge, and connections to develop ESS science, implement innovative technologies, and support America's public and private sectors. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.