Be part of the conversation
The Kansas State University’s Center for Hazardous Substance Research and Kansas Water Institute are are hosting a two-day event on September 22-23, 2026 at the Kansas State University Student Union in Manhattan, KS. The event is focused on advancing science, practice, and collaboration around emerging contaminants and will bring together researchers, practitioners, industry, and community partners to explore the impacts of emerging contaminants on water, soil, food systems, and public health. The intent of the symposium is to identify actionable opportunities for collaboration across Kansas and the nation.
Purpose
This convening is intentionally designed to move beyond information-sharing toward relationship-building and coordinated action. Day 1 will focus on community/societal needs, current science/technology solutions, and the state of research to address unmet needs. An evening reception will also showcase posters on this focus area. Day 2 will emphasize synthesis, gap identification, and next steps.
9:00 am: Registration 10:00: Welcome and Introductions 10:30-noon: Invited Talks 12:00 pm: Lunch 12:20 pm: Keynote: Emerging Contaminants Though a DOE Lens, Chris Johnson (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) 1:00-3:15: Invited Talks 3:15: Break 3:30- 4:30: Invited talks and Facilitated Reflection, Discussion and Day 1 Wrap-up 5:00: adjourn 5:30 – 7:00: Evening Reception at Ground Floor Atrium, Carl R. Ice, College of Engineering Building 7:30 am: Continental style breakfast 8:00-8:30: Lightning Talks 8:40-9:10: Lightning Talks 9:15: Instructions on Facilitation portion of the morning 9:30: Break 9:45: Facilitation sessions 11:00: Break 11:15: Conclusions and next steps 12 pm: Symposium concludes
8:30: Short Break
9:10: Short Break
Registration
The Symposium will take place in the Cottonwood Room at the Kansas State University Student Union. Participation in the Symposium is free and open to all stakeholders. Online registration is required.