Earth Day Tracks & Session Types

The science department at Purdue Global is excited to host the annual Purdue Global Earth Day Celebration as a part of the General Education Conference. We invite faculty, staff, students, and administrators to join us for a day of learning with presentations and activities centered on the theme Earth Day 2026: Sow the Seeds of Change: Earth Day Every Day.

Impact of Technology

This track will focus on the impact of technology on the Earth. This can include positive and negative impacts. Possible topics include, but are not limited to: the environmental impact of artificial intelligence, biofuels, plastics, renewable energy, new forms of weaponization, and e-waste.

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, and bold ideas are needed from every corner of society to “sow the seeds of change”. We invite proposals from every discipline and across all areas of interest from scientists and educators to artists and advocates to explore innovative ways to communicate and share solution-focused approaches to this ever-evolving challenge. Presentations can be research based, data-driven, or even informational with a focus on any climate change topic such as mitigation and adaptation strategies, policy and advocacy efforts, interdisciplinary work bridging across disciplines and cultures, community lead projects, or any other area of climate change specialization. Submissions should empower and inspire making climate action a part of daily life, embracing “Earth day, everyday”.

Hot Topics

This conference track will showcase presentations that focus on cutting edge topics related to the issues impacting our planet. This could include recent breakthroughs in research, novel insights, and innovative approaches being taken at the local or national level. Topics fitting well in this category include biodiversity through conservation and habitat restoration, intersection of human health and the environment, sustainable urban development, and the role of policy and individual action in driving systemic change. We welcome presentations describing original research initiatives, informed discussions by individuals, and collaborative, interdisciplinary talks. Providing takeaway ‘action items’ for your audience is a big plus!

All Things Renewable

With the increase in global warming and effects of climate change, the desire to find renewable resources as alternative feedstocks is on the rise. First generation feedstocks like soy oil are popular, and secondary feedstocks like used cooking oil are showing to be incredibly attractive. Tertiary feedstocks are on the rise, but data is still being collected. We are seeking proposals on various renewable feedstock techniques and treatment chemicals that address the necessity to decrease or eliminate the use of petrochemical feedstocks for the production of hydrocarbon finished products like gasoline, and diesel.

Environmental Engagement

When it comes to changing our relationship with the natural world to promote a more sustainable future, some of the first steps can be taken at home or as part of our everyday choices. We seek proposals that embrace the idea of "Earth Day Every Day" as a call to action--both large and small. Presentations that demonstrate ways attendees can actively engage in sustainability, conservation, or related practices are encouraged. Examples include (but are not limited to) sustainable swaps for common products or activities, how-to guides for environmentally-friendly projects like composting or upcycling, and citizen science projects.

*Please note: student/faculty/staff collaborations are welcome. These collaborations should be submitted as a “non-student led” presentation type. A presentation led by a student or a collaboration of only students should be submitted as a “student-led” presentation and is limited to 20 minutes.

Student-Led Presentation:

This type of presentation is 20 minutes total (15 minutes for presentation + 5 minutes for discussion) and is recommended for individual presenters offering succinct delivery. The presenter guides the session and should deliver material appropriate for the session length.

Non-Student Led Presentation — Standard:

These presentations are 20 minutes total (15 minutes for presentation + 5 minutes for discussion). They are recommended for individual presenters or pairs of presenters offering succinct delivery. The presenter guides the session and should deliver material appropriate for the session length.

Non-Student Led Presentation — Full:

This type of presentation is 50 minutes total (40 minutes for presentation + 10 minutes for questions) and is recommended for individuals with more in-depth material to present or for group presentations. The presenter guides the session and should deliver material appropriate for the session length. For group presentations, please ensure that the number of presenters is appropriate to the session length.

Posters/Other Materials (asynchronous):

We invite you to show off your creativity and communication skills on environmental stewardship and sustainable progress through a diverse range of creative and informative visual content submissions consisting of but not limited to posters, articles, infographics, PowerPoint presentations with or without pre-recorded audio, or podcasts. Utilize your chosen format to captivate the audience and showcase your knowledge. To submit a proposal, provide a brief description of the objectives, key points, and format in your abstract.

Panel Discussion:

A panel of faculty, professionals in the field, and students will discuss topics related to Earth Day (given at a later time). Conversation will be guided by a moderator. Audience will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panel during this session. Participation on the panel is by invitation.

 *Some proposals may be accepted for a different type of session than requested by the presenter. Confirmation of session type will be indicated in the acceptance letter.