The 19th annual Graduate Climate Conference (GCC) was held November 7–9, 2025, at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and was hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Founded by graduate students in the University of Washington’s Program on Climate Change (PCC), the GCC is an annual, student-run conference designed to foster connection, collaboration, and professional development among graduate students across climate-related fields.

GCC 2025 brought together 104 graduate students from 57 institutions, reflecting the conference’s continued growth in size, scope, and disciplinary breadth. Programming included student oral and poster presentations spanning physical climate science, Earth system science, environmental management, and policy-relevant research, as well as community-driven workshops focused on skill-building and professional development. Two keynote speakers highlighted early-career pathways, belonging in academia, and nontraditional trajectories through graduate school, resonating strongly with attendees navigating diverse career goals.

Notably, climate-focused social science participation exceeded 20% of attendees, underscoring the GCC’s ongoing evolution toward a more interdisciplinary and inclusive climate research community. A major milestone this year was the inaugural public session, which welcomed approximately 75 members of the Woods Hole community for posters and lightning talks. This new component marked an important step toward engaging audiences beyond academia and reinforcing the role of graduate research in public-facing climate dialogue.

Feedback from attendees emphasized the GCC’s role as a safe, welcoming, and empathetic space, where students felt comfortable sharing their work, asking questions, and connecting with peers across institutions and disciplines. Many participants highlighted the importance of the conference’s structure, which prioritizes community-building alongside scientific exchange.

Planning is already underway for GCC 2026, which will be hosted by the University of Washington and held at Pack Forest, Washington, with applications expected to open in April 2026. As always, the GCC remains committed to minimizing financial barriers by providing free registration, lodging, meals, and travel support, ensuring broad access for graduate students and continuing the PCC’s long-standing tradition of fostering an inclusive and supportive climate science community.

Interested in getting involved?

Graduate students at the University of Washington who are interested in helping organize a future Graduate Climate Conference are encouraged to get involved. Organizing the GCC offers a unique opportunity to build leadership skills, shape an inclusive scientific community, and contribute to a long-standing PCC tradition. If you’re interested, please reach out to jrotondo@uw.edu.