About the 2027 ERN Conference
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 Thursday, March 4, and conclude on Saturday, March 6. Agenda to be released.
The Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM brings together undergraduate and graduate students from across the country to build the skills, connections, and confidence needed to succeed in science careers. Hosted by 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), ERN welcomes students from across STEMM disciplines to showcase their research and grow as scientists. Since 2011, the ERN Conference has engaged an average of 1,000 attendees annually and more than 13,500 attendees total.
Attendee Types and Registration:
General registrants include students, faculty, mentors, program administrators, researchers, and other STEM professionals attending the conference to support students, network with peers, and engage with the latest in STEM education and workforce development. General registration provides access to plenary sessions, student presentations, and professional development workshops throughout the 2.5-day conference.
Undergraduate and graduate students in any STEMM discipline are the heart of the ERN Conference. Student attendees can submit a research abstract for a poster or oral presentation and apply for a travel award to help offset the cost of attending, and register for the full conference experience, including workshops on graduate school preparation, career readiness, and global STEM opportunities. Students have a few different ways to participate in ERN, depending on whether they want to present their research.
Option 1: Submit an abstract to present (with the option to apply for a travel award)
Students interested in presenting their research submit an abstract for a poster or oral presentation. As part of this same application, students can also apply for a travel award.
- To receive a travel award, a student’s abstract must be accepted.
- Students can also submit an abstract without applying for a travel award.
Click here for abstract submission guidelines. 2. Click here for travel award criteria.
Option 2: Register as a general registrant
Students fall into this category if any of the following apply:
- They choose not to submit an abstract, or
- Their abstract is accepted, but they don’t receive a travel award
In any of these cases, students can still attend the full conference by registering as a general registrant.
Exhibitors include universities, graduate programs, government agencies, and organizations looking to connect directly with a national pool of emerging STEM talent. Exhibiting at ERN offers a dedicated space to showcase graduate programs, career and funding opportunities, and organizational initiatives to hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students and STEM professionals. For more information, visit the exhibitor webpage.
What to expect from ERN 2027:
- A national stage for STEM research: Attendees engage with student poster and oral presentations, connecting with emerging talent and gaining valuable perspective across STEM disciplines.
- Inspiration from leading voices: Plenary sessions featuring luminary speakers offer big-picture insight and inspiration from leaders across STEM fields.
- Professional Development: Workshops for all attendees cover a range of focuses, including grad. school preparation, career readiness, mentorship, wellbeing in STEM, internships & fellowships, navigating a global STEM workforce, and more!
- Connections with organizations and programs: The exhibitor hall gives attendees the chance to explore universities, graduate programs, and organizations offering opportunities in STEM.
- Community and connection: Beyond the formal programming, attendees build relationships with peers, mentors, and STEM professionals who can support them throughout their careers.
View conference details from previous years.
Hotel Information:
The 2027 ERN Conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The hotel is located at 265 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. Hotel reservation link coming soon!
Questions? Email ernconference@aaas.org