Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit 2027
The Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit 2027 is a biennial scientific meeting focused on research, restoration, management, and environmental issues affecting the Delaware River and Bay watershed. Hosted by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, the 2027 meeting takes place February 23–24 at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Conference Center in Newark, Delaware.
What to expect
The theme is “Rooted in Science, Growing with Innovation.” The meeting follows a scientific-conference format, with abstracts, presentations, discussion and Q&A, while deliberately bringing together researchers, resource managers, restoration practitioners, educators, and community participants. Programming is organized across three tracks, with subjects including living resources, sediment management, climate, water quality and emerging contaminants, habitat restoration, monitoring, and urban waters.
Keynote and scientific focus
The announced keynote speaker is Rebecca D. Klaper, dean of the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. Her research examines how emerging contaminants—including pharmaceuticals and nanoparticles—affect aquatic organisms, making her work particularly relevant to the summit’s intersection of environmental science, ecosystem health, and practical management.
Why the summit matters
The series has been held biennially since 2005, with the aim of connecting scientific findings to ecosystem management throughout the Delaware Estuary. Previous meetings have drawn roughly 300 participants; the 2025 summit, for example, reported more than 300 attendees and 70 presentations. Although centered on the Delaware River and Bay, the organizers also welcome research from elsewhere when it can improve understanding or management of the estuary.
Practical details
The summit runs February 23–24, 2027, at the Clayton Conference Center, 100 David Hollowell Drive, Newark, Delaware 19716. Current registration is $250 for one day or $450 for two days, with student rates of $100 and $200, respectively; breakfast and lunch are included each day, and the initial rates are scheduled to increase January 16. A discounted lodging block is also available at SpringHill Suites Newark Downtown through January 23, subject to availability.