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March 24-25, 2026
Hilton University of Houston
Houston, TX

Port of the Future Student Research Poster Contest

The WGMA will host the 2027 Port of the Future Student Research Poster Contest. The contest will award student research on two levels: Graduate (not including PhDs) and 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: All posters must be submitted prior to midnight on Wednesday, 10 March, 2027.

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.

WGMA Logo

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
  • Carbon Capture
  • Port Energy and Sustainability
  • Intermodal Connectivity
  • Seafarer and Port Worker Welfare, Health and Security
  • Port Security, Cybersecurity, and Emergency Management
  • Drones in Port Operations
  • Decarbonization and Alternate Fuels
  • Operational Efficiency of Ports & Terminals
  • Shipbuilding

Poster Template

Use this template for your poster submission.
Format: 40″ W × 32″ H

Poster Template 2025

Judging Criteria

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

2027 Port of the Future Contest 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.

Student presenting research poster

Administrative Procedures and Timeline

Step 1: Complete Registration

Complete the Student Team Registration form to get started.

Student Team Registration Form
Step 2: Submit Your Poster

Students must submit their posters (by emailing the filled-in poster template) prior to midnight on Tuesday, March 3, 2027.

  • 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

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.

Questions about the Student Research Poster Contest?

Margaret A. Kidd

Margaret A. Kidd

Contest Chairperson
Department Chair
Logistics & Supply Chain Management
San Jacinto College
Houston, Texas

Margaret.Kidd@sjcd.edu

Office: (281) 998-6150, Ext. 7540

www.sanjac.edu