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Find everything you need to prepare and submit your abstract, along with important presentation guidelines and information for symposium presenters.

The 2027 IRL Symposium welcomes presentations on research, management, and activities related to the Indian River Lagoon. Students, early-career professionals, researchers, resource managers, and others interested in sharing knowledge, activities, and ideas are encouraged to participate.

Presentation Formats

Four presentation formats are available:

1. 10-minute Oral Presentation
2. 3 Minutes – 3 Slides Short Oral Presentation
3. Standard Poster Presentation
4. Digital Poster Presentation

Priority for 10-minute oral presentations will be given to abstracts that address the 2027 Symposium theme, Sentinels of the Lagoon: Species, Habitats, and Signals of Change , and to those submitted by students and early-career professionals.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Submission Window: October 1 through November 23, 2026.

1. Registration is required prior to abstract submittal. A link for submission will be provided in the registration confirmation email from DonotReply@touchnet.fau.edu.
2. All abstracts must be submitted online; submissions by email will not be accepted.
3. Abstracts should not exceed 150 words.
4. Each person may submit only one abstract as the presenting author.
5. Presenting authors whose abstracts are accepted are expected to attend the Symposium and deliver their presentation.
6. Requested presentation formats are not guaranteed and may be changed based on program availability.
7. Presenters will be notified of abstract acceptance and presentation format in mid-December 2026.

Keywords and Descriptions

Theme-Related

• Sentinel Species – Species whose presence, abundance, condition, behavior, or other responses provide information about changing lagoon conditions.
• Habitat Change – Changes in the condition, distribution, function, or extent of lagoon habitats over time.
• Environmental Indicators & Trends – Biological, chemical, or physical measurements and patterns used to detect or track changes in lagoon condition.

General

• Water Quality & Biogeochemistry – Physical and chemical conditions and processes, including nutrients, dissolved oxygen, salinity, carbon cycling, and acidification.
• Ecology & Biodiversity – Species distributions, community ecology, food webs, biodiversity, and ecological interactions within the lagoon.
• Fisheries & Living Resources – Fish, shellfish, invertebrates, wildlife, and other living resources, including their ecology and management.
• Harmful Algal Blooms – Bloom dynamics, drivers, monitoring, impacts, and ecological or human-health effects.
• Environmental Stressors & Human Impacts – Freshwater inputs, pollution, contaminants, development, land use, extreme events, and other pressures affecting the lagoon.
• Restoration & Management – Restoration, conservation, resource management, planning, and evaluation of management actions.
• Methods, Technology & Modeling – Sensors, remote sensing, molecular methods, modeling, data analysis, and other approaches used to study or monitor the lagoon.
• Education & Engagement – Education, outreach, community engagement, stewardship, citizen or community science, and other efforts that connect people with the Indian River Lagoon.
• Other – Topics relevant to the Indian River Lagoon not captured by the keywords above.

Guidelines for Presenters:

10-minute Oral Presentation:

1. File Type: Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx)
2. File Name: LastName_FirstName_10min_IRLS2027.pptx
3. Slide Format: Widescreen (16:9), landscape orientation.
4. Presentation Format:
   • Each presenter will have a 10-minute presentation period, including questions and discussion.
   • Plan to speak for up to 8 minutes, leaving approximately 2 minutes for questions and discussion.
5. Presentation Loading:
   • Presentations may be submitted in advance or loaded on-site via USB drive.
   • Presenters loading on-site should arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled session.
   • Presenters in the first session of the day should arrive by 7:30 a.m. for presentation loading.
   • Advance submission instructions will be provided to accepted presenters.

3 Minutes – 3 Slides Short Oral Presentation :

1. File Type: Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx)
2. File Name: LastName_FirstName_3min_IRLS2027.pptx
3. Slide Format: Widescreen (16:9), landscape orientation.
4. Presentation Format:
   • Presentations are limited to a maximum of 3 slides.
   • Each presenter will have a 3-minute presentation period. There will be no questions or discussion during the session.
   • The 3-minute clock begins when the moderator starts your introduction.
   • Presentation periods will be strictly enforced to keep the session on schedule.
5. Session Logistics:
   • Presenters will be seated in designated seats near the front of the auditorium to minimize transition time between presentations.
   • Please move to the podium as soon as the previous presenter finishes.
6. Submission: Final presentations must be submitted by Monday, February 8, 2027. Submission instructions will be provided to accepted presenters.

Standard Poster Presentations:

1. Poster Format:
   • Maximum size: 3 ft × 4 ft (36 × 48 in), landscape or portrait orientation.
   • Use large, readable text and clear figures and graphics.
2. Setup & Display:
   • Set up your poster at your assigned location when you arrive and keep it on display through the end of the Symposium.
   • Pins or clips will be provided.
3. Poster Session:
   • Odd-numbered posters: first half of the poster session.
   • Even-numbered posters: second half of the poster session.
   • Presenters should be at their posters during their assigned half.
   • Presenters are also encouraged to be available at their posters during breaks for additional discussion.

Digital Poster Presentations:

1. File Type: Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx)
2. File Name: LastName_FirstName_DigitalPoster_IRLS2027.pptx
3. Slide Format: Widescreen (16:9), landscape orientation.
4. Poster Format:
   • One primary static slide showing the complete poster
   • Up to three optional supplemental slides for enlarged figures, tables, or key results.
   • Use large, readable text and high-resolution images and graphics
   • Avoid screenshots and enlarging low-resolution images.
   • Embed all fonts in the PowerPoint file (File > Options > Save > Embed fonts in the file)
   • Do not include animations, transitions, audio, or video. Hyperlinks and QR codes are permitted.
   • Review your poster at 100% zoom to ensure all content is clear.
5. Poster Session:
   • Digital posters will be presented on portable displays inside the main auditorium near each entrance.
   • Presenters will have a 10-minute scheduled presentation period and should remain at their assigned display for the full period.
   • We recommend a brief 3-minute overview, followed by informal discussion and questions.
6. Display & Access: Primary poster slides will rotate throughout the day on the large Gallery display and side screens in the auditorium during breaks. Digital posters will also be available to attendees through the IRL Symposium Digital Guide.
7. Submission: Final digital posters must be submitted by Monday, February 8, 2027. Submission instructions will be provided to accepted presenters.

Find answers to common questions about the IRL Symposium, including registration, submissions, attendance, presentations, and other event details.

Registration & Attendance

When and where is the 2027 Indian River Lagoon Symposium?

The 2027 Indian River Lagoon Symposium will be held Thursday, February 18, 2027, at Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵHarbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Who can attend the Symposium?

The Symposium is open to researchers, resource managers, students, educators, community members, and anyone interested in the Indian River Lagoon.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes. Registration is required to attend the Symposium.

Registration Fees

• Regular/Professional: $80
• Student – Graduate: $40
• Student – Undergraduate: $30
• Student – High School: $30

When does registration open and close?

General registration will be open from December 15, 2026, through January 30, 2027. Advance registration is required to attend the Symposium.

What is included with registration?

Registration includes access to all Symposium sessions, poster session and social, lunch, and coffee breaks.

Abstract Submission

What is the abstract submission window?

Abstract submissions will be accepted from October 1 through November 23, 2026. Late abstracts will not be considered.

Do I need to register before submitting an abstract?

Yes. You must register for the Symposium before submitting an abstract. Your registration confirmation email from DonotReply@touchnet.fau.edu will include a link to the abstract submission form. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive the email.

What if my organization does not allow me to register before my abstract is accepted?

If your organization does not allow registration prior to abstract acceptance, please contact irlsymposium@fau.edu.

Who can submit an abstract?

Researchers, students, resource managers, practitioners, and others working on topics related to the Indian River Lagoon are encouraged to submit.

Does my abstract need to address the Symposium theme?

No. Abstracts addressing all aspects of Indian River Lagoon research, monitoring, restoration, management, and outreach are welcome. However, preference will be given to submissions that address the 2027 Symposium theme, Sentinels of the Lagoon: Species, Habitats, and Signals of Change.

When will presenters be notified?

Presenters will be notified of abstract acceptance and presentation format in mid-December 2026.

Event Information

What is the schedule for the Symposium?

The IRL Symposium is a full-day event featuring a keynote presentation, oral and poster presentations, and opportunities for networking. A detailed schedule will be posted following abstract review and program development.

What should I know about campus access?

Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵHarbor Branch is a closed campus with controlled access. Only registered Symposium attendees will be permitted access to campus on the day of the event. Additional information about campus entry, parking, and check-in will be provided to registered attendees prior to the Symposium.

Will the Symposium be livestreamed?

Yes. The Symposium will be livestreamed on YouTube and available to watch free of charge. A link to the livestream will be posted on the Symposium website closer to the event.

Who should I contact with questions?

For questions about the IRL Symposium, please contact irlsymposium@fau.edu.

Explore ways to get involved, whether as a presenter, attendee, sponsor, or judge.

The 2027 program is designed to welcome broad participation and offer diverse ways to share knowledge.

Present at the IRL Symposium

Presenters may choose from several formats:

• 10-minute oral presentation
• 3 minutes – 3 slides short oral presentation
• Standard poster presentation
• Digital poster presentation

Additional requirements and instructions for each presentation format are available in the Presenter’s Guide & Abstract Information.

Student Award Judges

Volunteers are needed to serve as judges for student presentations and awards.

• Judges may evaluate 3 Minutes – 3 Slides presentations, 10-minute oral presentations, standard posters, digital posters, and the Dennis Hanisak Storyteller Award.
• Serving as a judge is an opportunity to engage with emerging researchers, support the next generation of scientists, and stay connected with the latest lagoon research.
• Attendees can indicate their interest in serving as a judge during registration. Additional information and judging instructions will be provided before the symposium.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Organizations and individuals can support the symposium and gain visibility in the research and restoration community. Sponsorships help make the event possible while highlighting your commitment to the Indian River Lagoon.

• Opportunities include financial contributions, session sponsorships, and support for student awards.
• Sponsors are recognized throughout the symposium, in promotional materials, and online.

Watch the Symposium Live

Can’t attend in person? Watch the IRL Symposium live on YouTube, free of charge. The livestream link will be posted closer to the event.

Get Involved

Whether you are presenting your research, sponsoring the symposium, or helping judge student work, your participation helps strengthen the community and advance science for the Indian River Lagoon.

Learn about the mission, history, and purpose of the Indian River Lagoon Symposium.

The Indian River Lagoon Symposium (IRLS) is a collaborative, one-day gathering dedicated to advancing science, dialogue, and stewardship for one of Florida’s most important ecosystems. Since its founding in 2012 with the support of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation, the symposium has served as a vital forum for sharing the latest research and translating knowledge into practical strategies for managing and protecting the lagoon. Each year, the event brings together scientists, resource managers, educators, students, and members of the public with a shared purpose: to deepen understanding, foster collaboration, and strengthen the connection between scientific discovery and real-world action.

Legacy and Leadership

The symposium was envisioned by Dr. Dennis Hanisak, who for over 30 years mentored aspiring young scientists and opened minds to the wonders of the marine environment.  Dr. Hanisak’s vision continues to shape the IRL Symposium, inspiring the next generation of scientists while promoting the research, protection, and stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon.