The Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Center for STEMM Education and Workforce (CSEW) Programs and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) and is in alignment with updated 2026 NSF priorities. The conference is aimed at providing professional development for all college and university undergraduate and graduate students, studying any STEMM discipline, including minorities, persons with disabilities and women.
The objectives of the conference are to help undergraduate and graduate students to enhance their science communication skills and to better understand how to prepare for science careers in a global workforce. Towards this end, the general format for the 2.5-day conference will include:
- Student poster and oral presentations.
Other conference activities include workshops focused on:
- Strategies for applying for and succeeding in graduate programs and finding funding for graduate school;
- Career preparation workshops focused on employment searches and retention; and
- Understanding STEM careers in a global context and identifying international research and education opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and faculty.
ERN 2027
The 2027 Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM will be held in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, March 4th – Saturday, 6th, 2027 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta (265 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30303). The conference will begin with the opening plenary session on Wednesday, March 3, and conclude on Friday, March 5.
Highlights From Past ERN Conferences
Since 2011, the ERN Conference has engaged an average of 1,000 attendees annually and > 10,000 total!
