Host a Table at the 2026 Innovation Showcase & Networking Reception

At NC State, we turn climate challenges into practical solutions. The 2026 Innovation Showcase brings together innovators from across every sector to share the bold ideas, technologies, career and community opportunities driving future climate solutions.

Whether you are unveiling cutting-edge research, launching a climate venture, leading community action, or recruiting top talent, this interactive showcase offers a platform to connect directly with NC State students, faculty, researchers, community members and external partners.

The Innovation Showcase and Networking Reception will be from 5:15pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 immediately following our Innovation and Entrepreneurship Panel.

*Please Note: Submission of this form serves as an application and does not automatically guarantee participation. Because space is limited, all submissions will be reviewed, and applicants will receive an official notification regarding their acceptance status via email by Monday, September 28, 2026.*

**Important: All applications for the Innovation Showcase, Climate Communications Workshop and Student Poster Contest, must be submitted by Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Late submissions cannot be accepted due to limited capacity.**

Apply to attend the 2026 Climate Communications Workshop with Dr. Naomi Oreskes.

Dr. Naomi Oreskes is one of the world’s leading scholars examining the relationship between science, society, and public understanding of climate change. As a historian of science at Harvard University, her work explores how scientific knowledge is communicated, challenged, and politicized in the public sphere. She is particularly well known for documenting the history of climate change disinformation and the organized efforts that have undermined public trust in climate science. Through both scholarly research and public engagement, Dr. Oreskes has become a leading voice on the importance of scientific integrity, evidence-based decision making, and effective climate communication.

Dr. Oreskes will lead an interactive workshop focused on communicating climate science to diverse audiences and responding effectively to disinformation and misinformation. The workshop will engage participants in discussion of practical strategies for translating complex scientific findings, countering misinformation, and connecting with audiences through storytelling, digital media, and other communication approaches.

These themes are especially timely as universities, governments, and communities navigate the increasing influence of artificial intelligence, social media, and digital communication tools on public trust in science and environmental decision-making.

The Climate Communications Workshop will be held on Thursday October 8, 2026 from 9:00am -10:30am and is limited to 50 attendees. A light breakfast will be provided prior to the workshop from 8:30am – 9:00am for all workshop attendees.



*Please Note: Submission of this form serves as an application and does not automatically guarantee participation. Because space is limited, all submissions will be reviewed, and applicants will receive an official notification regarding their acceptance status via email by Monday, September 28, 2026.*

**Important: All applications for the Innovation Showcase, Climate Communications Workshop and Student Poster Contest, must be submitted by Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Late submissions cannot be accepted due to limited capacity.**

Showcase Your Research: KIETS Climate Leaders Program Student Poster Competition & Networking Reception

**Eligibility note: This contest is reserved for undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.**



At NC State, we don’t just study climate challenges—we build real-world solutions. Aligned with the 2026 symposium theme, “Think and Do: The Future of Climate Solutions,” the inaugural Climate Leaders Student Poster Competition & Networking Reception gives undergraduate and graduate students a high-visibility platform to present their work, gain expert feedback, and turn ideas into action.

Designed to foster future climate solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration, this competition puts student innovation at the center of the KIETS Climate Leaders Symposium. Connect with faculty, industry pioneers, and peers while competing for recognition and awards.

Awards

Present your work to expert judges and symposium attendees for a chance to win one of five gift card awards:

Judges’ Choice Awards: 1st Place ($150) | 2nd Place ($100) | 3rd Place ($50)

People’s Choice Awards: Two Winners ($100 each)

The Student Poster Contest and Networking Reception will be from 5:15pm to 7:00pm on Thursday October 8, 2026 immediately following the Climate Leaders Program Scholar Lightning Talks.

Your poster should be a maximum of 36″ x 48″‘ (more details will be provided if your poster is accepted).



*Please Note: Submission of this form serves as an application and does not automatically guarantee participation. Because space is limited, all submissions will be reviewed, and applicants will receive an official notification regarding their acceptance status via email by Monday, September 28, 2026.*

**Important: All applications for the Innovation Showcase, Climate Communications Workshop and Student Poster Contest, must be submitted by Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Late submissions cannot be accepted due to limited capacity.**