From February 24–26, more than 515 participants gathered at the University of Florida Reitz Union for the 10th Biennial Water Institute Symposium hosted by the UF Water Institute and Duke Energy, with Florida Sea Grant (FSG) serving as the event’s Diamond Sponsor.
While Florida Sea Grant is a marine and coastal organization, the symposium provided an opportunity to learn from different disciplines within the water sciences and recognize the connectedness of water research and management. Attendees represented a broad cross-section of sectors, including:
- 61% from academia (26% students)
- 20% from government
- 16% from the private sector
- 2% from nonprofit organization
For the first time, the symposium was held over three days, providing expanded opportunities to explore critical and complex water issues from multiple perspectives. Plenary speakers addressed topics including water quality data, science communication, collaboration, and governance.
Florida Sea Grant Regional Specialized Agent IV for the UF/IFAS Southeast District, Dr. Lisa Krimsky, serves as Chair of the Faculty Advisory Committee for the UF Water Institute. In this role, she and the committee helped emphasize the importance of science communication as a key theme of this year’s symposium.
“Effective communication is a critical component in addressing Florida’s most pressing water resources issues. Scientists need to communicate their science clearly to managers so it can be integrated into management decisions, and managers need to communicate their priorities to drive applied research needs,” said Dr. Krimsky. “This is all essential for helping the public and our elected officials understand these complex challenges, inspiring meaningful actions.”
Alongside Dr. Krismky, Florida Sea Grant researchers and Extension professionals were well represented at the symposium. Presenters included Drs. Anna Braswell, Savanna Barry, Laura Reynolds, Shirley Baker, Monica Wilson, and Kate Rose, and Jason Evans.
Their presentations covered a range of topics including seagrass and macroalgae research, marine debris, coastal habitat restoration, submerged aquatic vegetation management, resilience planning, and citizen science and stewardship.
The Biennial Symposium also introduced two new student-focused professional development events: a Career Fair and Networking Reception and the Water Science Career Panel. Dr. Savanna Barry, Florida Sea Grant UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Agent for the Nature Coast, served as a panelist on the Career Panel for Students. The panel included a moderated discussion followed by an open Q&A, giving student attendees the opportunity to ask questions and connect directly with experienced professionals.
These events provided students with opportunities to connect with professionals, explore career pathways across the water sector, and prepare for future careers in water science.
Former Skoch Scholar Alex Webb presented their research during the poster session.
“As a young researcher, presenting at the UF Water Institute Symposium’s poster session gave me the chance to share my work alongside leaders in my field while also seeing how water-focused research has shaped their careers. Learning from their perspectives and experiences was incredibly insightful and has given me a clearer vision of the paths I can take as I prepare for my future in this field.”
Most importantly, the event also provided an opportunity for Florida Sea Grant faculty and Extension professionals to connect with colleagues across the statewide network.
“Although we all are part of the same network, FSG is large enough that it is impossible to keep track of all the amazing work being done across the state. The Symposium provides a platform to hear about what my colleagues are doing, learn about new resources, and take ideas back that can be shared or applied to my own work. Plus, it’s always nice to see a familiar face in the audience.”
