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), Inclusive STEM Ecosystems for Equity & Diversity (ISEED) Programs and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Human Resource Development (HRD), within the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR). The conference is aimed at college and university undergraduate and graduate students who participate in programs funded by the NSF HRD Unit, including underrepresented minorities and persons with disabilities.

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 2-1/2 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.

Exhibitors will include representatives from academic, government, business, and the non-profit sector with information about graduate school admissions, fellowships, summer research opportunities, professional development activities, and employment opportunities.