Summit for Water Begins March 19
03/06/2025
Saint Louis University’s WATER Institute and National Great Rivers are hosting the 2025 SLU Summit for Water focused on Nature-Based Solutions: Science to Policy to Practice. The conference will take place in person on Wednesday, March 19, and virtually on Thursday, March 20.
Join leaders and experts from academia, industry, nonprofits, and government at the SLU Summit for Water to share ideas, learn about the latest research, and tackle some of the most critical and persistent challenges facing our most fundamental resource: water. The sixth annual SLU Summit for Water will focus on nature-based solutions, engaging stakeholders across sectors and disciplines to join the WATER Institute’s mission of advancing water innovation to serve humanity.
Addressing today’s water challenges requires solutions that work in harmony with nature. Nature-based solutions leverage our understanding of natural systems to improve water quality, reduce flood risks, enhance climate resilience, and support biodiversity. This year’s summit will explore how science, policy, and practice intersect to advance these approaches. Discussions will highlight floodplain restoration projects, sustainable watershed management, urban green infrastructure, and community-driven water stewardship, showcasing pathways to a more resilient and sustainable water future.
The first day of the summit, March 19, will be hosted in person at Saint Louis University's Midtown campus and will feature panels, networking opportunities, a keynote address, and more.
The second day of the summit, March 20, will be hosted virtually and feature faculty, postdocs, and student research presentations. The summit is free to attend, but registration is required.
More information about the Summit can be found online.
Event Details
- When: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. on March 19 – 20, 2025
- Where: Wednesday, March 19: Busch Student Center, Saint Louis University, 20 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103. Thursday, March 20 is virtual only.
Schedule
Wednesday, March 19
- 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.: Registration/Coffee
- 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.: Welcome and Opening Remarks
- 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.: Panel 1: Exploring the Roles of Nature-Based Solutions: Definitions and Implications
- 9:30 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.: Coffee Break
- 9:50 a.m. to 10:35 a.m.: Panel 2: Science
- 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Panel 3: Policy
- 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Lunch
- 1 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.: Keynote Introductions
- 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Keynote
- 2:05 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.: Panel 4: Practice
- 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.: Panel 5: Nature-Based Solutions for a Dynamic World
- 3:45 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Closing Remarks
- 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Networking Reception
Thursday, March 20
- 8:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.: Welcome
- 8:30 a.m. to noon: Research Presentations
- Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Lunch Break
- 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Research Presentations
- 4 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.: Closing Remarks
About the Saint Louis University WATER Institute
The Water Access, Technology, Environment and Resources (WATER) Institute at Saint Louis University is an interdisciplinary research institute with the mission of advancing water innovation to serve humanity.