Student Research Poster Contest

The WGMA will host the 2026 Port of the Future Student Research Poster Contest. This is an opportunity for undergraduate students and teams to contribute to the research in the port and maritime domains, gain professional recognition and build a network of like-minded colleagues and mentors. All posters must be submitted prior to midnight on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Note: While Ph.D.’s and graduate students may serve as mentors, they may not submit posters or participate as team members in this competition.

Topic Areas

The Symposium Leadership Team invites students to submit posters of their research in one of the following topic areas:

• Port Infrastructure 4.0
  (includes Artificial Intelligence, automation, digitalization, and information sharing)
• Enhancing the Operational Efficiency of U.S. Ports
• Port Development
• Intermodal Connectivity
• Decarbonization and Alternate Fuels
• Port Energy and Sustainability
• Port Security, Cybersecurity, and Emergency Management
• Advances in Dredging Technology and Methods
• Clean Ports

The contest judges will evaluate the posters using the following criteria, with each item assigned a score of 1-5, in accordance with the rubric pictured below:

2026 Port of the Future Contest Judging Rubric

Poster Format

Poster presentations typically include a mix of text graphics, data, images, and other material to illustrate the area of interest. Visual appeal and creativity in format are important in helping others understand your research.

In addition to the title and research content, your poster should include the name of the author(s), faculty mentor(s), and the name of your college, university, or other institution.

Poster submissions will use the following template:

Please do not alter the  template header or footer with exception of placing project title, author, faculty advisor, and university in the spaces designated within the header. Students may place their college/university logo in the space provided in the lower left hand corner of the template.

Please do not alter poster scale which is formatted for 40 inches width X 32 inches height.

It is recommended that students create a references section with a QR Code to maximize poster space.

To download the Student Research Poster template please click on the button below:

Download the Template

Administrative Procedures and Timeline

• Complete the Student Team Registration form. Student Team Registration Form
• Students must submit their posters (by emailing the filled-in poster template at the link below) prior to midnight on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
• Submissions may be individual or collaborative.
• As part of their submission, students must include a list of references used in their research. Submit your completed Poster Here

Presentation of Posters

• The Chairperson of the Student Research Poster Contest will display all poster submissions on the Port of the Future Conference website by Friday, March 13, 2026.

• Selected posters will be displayed in the Conrad Hilton Ballroom of the Hilton University Houston during the Port of the Future Conference.

Questions about the Student Research Poster Contest?

Dr. Cassia Bomer Galvao Department of Maritime Business Administration, Texas A&M University galvaoc@tamug.edu