Registration is now open for the 2026 Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium, Friday, Sept. 18, at the Central Bank Center in Lexington.
The day-long event is hosted by the University of Kentucky's Kentucky Water Research Institute (KWRI). Founded in 1964, KWRI is part of a national network of 54 institutes established by the U.S. Congress to promote water research and training.
The symposium serves as a gathering point for researchers, government agency personnel, students and community members to share the latest developments in water research, practice and education across the Commonwealth.
"This symposium is a vital collaborative space where we translate scientific discovery into actionable solutions for Kentucky's water challenges," said Jason Unrine, Ph.D., director of KWRI and a professor in the department of plant and soil sciences at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. "By bringing together diverse experts and students, we ensure that the research conducted today directly informs the management and protection of our water resources for future generations."
The 2026 program features a mix of platform and poster presentations, including research from recipients of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 104(b) student research enhancement grants.
This year's keynote speaker is Jeff Steevens, Ph.D., acting center director and research toxicologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center. Steevens is a leader of the USGS PFAS Integrated Science Team and will discuss his research regarding the toxicology and fate of environmental contaminants, including forever chemicals and algal toxins.
The event will include an awards luncheon, where KWRI recognizes outstanding contributions in three categories:
- Water Resources Research
- Water Resources Practice
- Water Quality
