Student Poster Contest
Showcase your research, connect with industry leaders, and contribute innovative ideas shaping the future of ports and maritime operations. Open to undergraduate and graduate students from around the world.
Academic Excellence
Where Student Research Meets Industry Innovation
The WGMA and the Port of the Future Conference TM invite both undergraduate and graduate students from colleges and universities worldwide to participate in the 2027 Port of the Future Conference Student Research Poster Contest.
This year’s contest will award student research on two levels: 1) Graduate students (not including PhDs); and 2) Undergraduate students. This is an opportunity for graduate and 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: March 10, 2027
Note: Ph.D. students may serve as mentors but may not submit posters or participate as team members in the competition.
Sponsored By
West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA)
Research Topics
Students may submit posters of their research in one of the following nine topic areas:
- Port Infrastructure 4.0 (AI, Automation, Robotics, Simulations and Digitalization)
- Advances in Maritime Nuclear Energy
- Drones in Port Operations
- Intermodal Connectivity
- Developing Ports
- Improving Terminal Operations
- Decarbonization and Alternate Fuels
- Port Energy and Sustainability
- Port Security, Cybersecurity
Judging Criteria
The contest judges will evaluate the posters using the following criteria, with each item assigned a score of 1-5:
View Judging Rubric
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:
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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.
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Students may place their college/university logo in the space provided in the lower left hand corner of the template.
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Please do not alter poster scale which is formatted for 40 inches width × 32 inches height.
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It is recommended that students create a references section with a QR Code to maximize poster space.
Submission Process
Administrative Procedures & Timeline
Follow the steps below to register, submit your poster, and participate in the competition.
Step 1: Complete Registration
Complete the Student Team Registration form to get started.
Step 2: Submit Your Poster
Students must submit their posters (by emailing the filled-in poster template) prior to midnight on Wednesday, March 10, 2027.
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Submissions may be individual or collaborative.
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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, 2027.
In-Person Display
Selected posters will be displayed in the Crystal Ballroom of the South Shore Harbour Resort during the Port of the Future Conference.
Team Registration
Complete the registration form to participate in the 2027 Student Research Poster Contest.
Need Assistance?
Questions About the Poster Contest?
Contact the contest chairperson for guidance regarding submissions, eligibility requirements, judging criteria, or participation details.
Margaret A. Kidd
Contest Chairperson
Department Chair
Logistics & Supply Chain Management
San Jacinto College
Houston, Texas
Email: Margaret.Kidd@sjcd.edu
Office: (281) 998-6150, Ext. 7540
Website: www.sanjac.edu