Freshwater scientists, others to convene online for Great Lakes research conference May 17–21

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2021

Discussions focus on forging connections to understand and care for the world’s large lakes

ANN ARBOR, MI — More than 600 freshwater researchers and others from the Great Lakes region and beyond will gather online May 17–21 for the 64th annual Conference on Great Lakes Research. Bridging: Knowledges • Seven Generations • Land to Lake is the theme for the conference, convened by the International Association for Great Lakes Research. Researchers at Michigan Technological University helped to organize the program and will run the event from campus.

“Although this year's conference is again virtual, it is by no means a compromise on quality and content compared with our previous in-person conferences,” notes IAGLR President Ed Verhamme of LimnoTech. “The program is packed with high-quality keynote addresses and in-depth technical sessions that dive deep into the most pressing issues facing the largest freshwater lakes in the world.”

More than 375 oral and poster presentations are scheduled in 33 sessions on topics ranging from harmful algal blooms, invasive species, fisheries, water levels and shoreline impacts, and more. A benefit of the online format is our ability to include researchers from beyond North America. The session “My Lake, Their Lake, Our Lakes: Perspectives from Lakes Michigan to Malawi” will feature 14 speakers from Africa on Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition, sessions explore justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the research community; bridging Indigenous and non-indigenous knowledge systems; community partnerships; and youth engagement.

“Of particular note this year is IAGLR's attention to Indigenous Knowledge,” Verhamme says. More than 90 Indigenous people are attending to share their views and understanding of the Great Lakes. “Connections to all sources of knowledge about lake health are needed to understand and protect large lakes, which provide food, water, and jobs to millions of people in the region and around the world,” notes Verhamme. “The past year has underscored how truly connected we all are, despite the isolation we have endured to protect our communities. It’s exciting to come together this week as a community to strengthen our connection to each other through the study of water.” ​

HIGHLIGHTS

See the conference program for details.

Keynote Speakers

Keynote speakers will share their perspectives on the conference themes of Bridging Knowledges, Bridging Seven Generations, and Bridging Land to Lake.

Tue., May 18, 1–2 p.m.
HENRY LICKERS
Canadian Commissioner, International Joint Commission
Translators needed to bridge gap between science and Traditional knowledge systems

Wed., May 19, 1:30─2:30 p.m.
KAREN DIVER
Director of Business Development for Native American Advancement Initiatives, University of Arizona
Taking care of our relatives: Indigenizing science and the value in supporting Tribal sovereignty

Thu., May 20, 1:30─2:30 p.m.
SHERRI MASON
Professor of Chemistry and Sustainability Coordinator, Penn State Behrend
Bridging knowledge gaps in plastic pollution: From land to lake (to ocean)

New this year!

As a fun activity to provide some time away from the computer during our virtual conference week, please join us in getting some steps in! We'll "run" a friendly competition between U.S., Canadian, Indigenous, and international participants. There's no cost to participate but you can also earn miles for your favorite team and lake by making a donation to IAGLR. Each dollar earns a mile! Feel free to recruit friends to join you in walking or donating for your favorite lake! Learn more, sign up, and start logging your miles!

Media are welcome and must register online via the media registration form.

More information is available online: iaglr.org/iaglr2021.

Join the conversation on Twitter: @IAGLR and #IAGLR21

Videos of presentations will be available for a set time after the conference.

CONTACTS

IAGLR

Ed Verhamme, President
(734) 681-0577
[email protected]

Christine Manninen, Conference Coordinator
(734) 560-8598
[email protected]

Paula McIntyre, Communications Director
[email protected]

Michigan Technological University

Noel Urban, IAGLR 2021 Chair
(906) 487-3640
[email protected]

Judith Perlinger, IAGLR 2021 Program Chair
(906) 487-3641
[email protected]

Gordon Paterson, IAGLR 2021 Program Co-Chair
(906) 487-1120
[email protected]

African Lakes Session

Ted Lawrence, Executive Director
African Center for Aquatic Research and Education
[email protected]
(734) 730-2038

The International Association for Great Lakes Research is a scientific organization made up of researchers studying the Laurentian Great Lakes, other large lakes of the world, and their watersheds, as well as those with an interest in such research. With its mission to advance understanding of the world's large lake ecosystems, IAGLR is uniquely positioned to foster the connection between science and policy, a connection vital for effective management and protection of the world’s large lakes.