In addition to breakout sessions, the Water Institute Symposium features daily plenary sessions with speakers addressing the many pressing challenges faced by water issues from multiple perspectives. We are pleased to bring you an impressive lineup of accomplished individuals who will inform us, inspire us, and sharpen our vision for interdisciplinary and integrative approaches.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Speaker:

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"Telling the Water Story: Science Communication for Impact and Action"

This year’s symposium debuts a new plenary format designed to create a shared space for reflection and engagement across the water community. In this session, three leading voices in science communication, journalism, and public engagement will each share a 20-minute presentation highlighting strategies for connecting water research to broader audiences and inspiring meaningful action. The presentations will be followed by a 30-minute moderated discussion and Q&A, inviting participants to reflect on how storytelling, communication, and collaboration can enhance the impact of their own work.

Speakers:

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Wednesday, February 25, 2026

"From Data to Decisions: Advancing Water Quality Concepts, Models, and Measurements"

This session will focus on Florida’s existing and emerging water quality priorities, examining strategies to design scientific research to achieve decision support outcomes. The three speakers will explore current statewide initiatives and critical needs for improving water quality, introduce novel approaches to measuring toxins and their impacts in Florida’s waters, report on analytical frontiers in data driven physics-guided water quality modeling, and showcase innovative tools that support evidence based solutions. A moderated discussion will follow, inviting participants to reflect on opportunities for collaboration across science, policy, and implementation.

Speakers:

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Thursday, February 26, 2026

Speaker:

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"Closing Plenary Panel: Harnessing Data for Florida’s Water Future"

This session will focus on Florida’s existing and emerging water quality priorities, examining strategies to design scientific research to achieve decision support outcomes. The three speakers will explore current statewide initiatives and critical needs for improving water quality, introduce novel approaches to measuring toxins and their impacts in Florida’s waters, report on analytical frontiers in data driven physics-guided water quality modeling, and showcase innovative tools that support evidence based solutions. A moderated discussion will follow, inviting participants to reflect on opportunities for collaboration across science, policy, and implementation.

Moderator:

• Matt Cohen, Director, University of Florida Water Institute

Panelists: