The Industry–Rice Earth Science Symposium (IRESS) invites undergraduate and graduate students to participate in a student poster session aligned with the 2026 symposium theme:
New Frontiers for Geothermal Energy: From Hot Rocks to a Future Low-Carbon Grid
Title and one paragraph abstract DUE MARCH 30th to Rhianna Laverell (laverell@Rice.edu)
The student poster session is a core component of IRESS 2026 and highlights emerging research, technologies, and systems at the intersection of geothermal energy, critical minerals, and decarbonized energy infrastructure.
Scope of Student Posters
Posters must fall within the symposium theme and may address topics including (but not limited to):
Geothermal Energy & Subsurface Systems
- Enhanced, closed-loop, and advanced geothermal systems
- Heat extraction from low-permeability, unconventional, or engineered reservoirs
- Subsurface characterization, drilling, stimulation, and reservoir management
- Monitoring, modeling, and techno-economic analysis of geothermal resources
Grid, Heat, and Energy System Integration
- Geothermal integration with low-carbon power grids
- District heating and cooling, industrial heat, and thermal storage
- Hybrid systems (geothermal + storage, heat pumps, data centers, or hydrogen)
Critical Minerals & Geothermal Co-Production
- Geothermal brines as sources of critical minerals
- Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies and processes
- Co-production of heat, power, and minerals from geothermal systems
- Reservoir, chemical, materials, and scaling challenges associated with mineral recovery
Deployment, Policy, and Economics
- Permitting, policy, and regulatory considerations
- Supply-chain and commercialization challenges
- Environmental performance and life-cycle impacts
Basic Science Topics with Relevance to all Themes
Both completed projects and well-developed ongoing research are welcome.
Poster Session Overview
- Dates: April 9, from 5:00p-m- 6:20PM
- Location: Rice University (Specific location TDB)
- Format: In-person poster presentations during designated symposium sessions
- Audience: Industry professionals, faculty, researchers, and students
The session is designed to promote informal technical discussion, networking, and feedback from industry and academic participants.
Poster Design & Preparation
Posters will follow standard academic poster conventions and professional design practices. Examples can be found here: https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/research_symposium/presenters/ (This resource is provided as a reference for formatting, clarity, and best practices.)
Poster dimensions are 48" wide x 36" tall (landscape).
Poster Judging & Awards
Posters will be evaluated by a panel of judges drawn from symposium participants. Cash prizes will be awarded in two categories, provided there are at least six entries per category:
Graduate Student Awards
- 1st Place: $1,000
- 2nd Place: $750
- 3rd Place: $500
Undergraduate Student Awards
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $250
- 3rd Place: $100
Judging criteria will emphasize:
- Technical quality and originality
- Relevance to geothermal energy, critical minerals, and the symposium theme
- Clarity of visual communication
- Ability to explain and discuss the work effectively