Student Research Poster Contest
2026 Port of the Future 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.
Submission Deadline: 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.
Sponsored by
West Gulf Maritime Association
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
Poster Template
Use this template for your poster submission.
Format: 40″ W × 32″ H
Judging Criteria
The contest judges will evaluate the posters using the following criteria, with each item assigned a score of 1-5:
Poster Format Guidelines
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.
Template Guidelines:
- 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 × 32 inches height.
- It is recommended that students create a references section with a QR Code to maximize poster space.
Administrative Procedures and Timeline
Step 1: Complete Registration
Complete the Student Team Registration form to get started.
Student Team Registration FormStep 2: Submit Your Poster
Students must submit their posters (by emailing the filled-in poster template) 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.
Presentation of Posters
Online Display
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.
In-Person Display
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
Contest Chairperson
Department of Maritime Business Administration
Texas A&M University