International Monarch Science Symposium

Join us for a gathering of scientists to present their latest research on monarch biology and conservation. Please check this page periodically for updates and thank you for your interest!

SYMPOSIUM SUMMARY

What: International Monarch Science Symposium

When: August 5-7, 2025

Where: Lawrence, Kansas (hosted by Monarch Watch at The University of Kansas)

Monarch Watch, University of Kansas, 2021 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047 monarchwatch.org

Conference activities will be located adjacent to Monarch Watch in the School of Pharmacy building at 2010 Becker Dr, Lawrence, KS 66047

Who: Scientists, researchers, students, and others interested in monarchs are welcome to attend.

Deadlines:

• Submit research abstracts by March 31. Presenters will be notified of abstract acceptance and presentation format by April 15, with early registration for presenters to follow.

• Early registration for general attendance will open in late May and be available until late June.

• Regular registration will open in late June.

Links:

Research Abstract Submission Form - for presenters

Email Notification List - sign up to receive an email notification when general registration opens.

Early registration: $175 ($50 for students)

Regular registration: $225 ($75 for students)

*Travel scholarships are available for student presenters, early-career scientists, and international speakers. Please note your interest in the field on the abstract submission form.

Contact: monarch@ku.edu

GENERAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Below is a general schedule of events. A complete schedule including presenters and presentations will be posted online as soon as it is available.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025

1:00-4:00PM - optional field trips (see below for details)

4:30PM - registration opens

5:00-7:00PM - evening reception

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025

8:15AM - registration continues

8:45AM-6:15PM - sessions run, with breaks and lunch in between

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2025

8:30-11:30AM - sessions run

11:30-11:45AM - closing remarks and dismissal

Optional field trips in the afternoon (see below for details)

FIELD TRIP OPTIONS

We have a handful of field trips and tours available before and after the symposium. These trips can be selected on the symposium registration page and will be added to registration costs at checkout.

• Explore the plant diversity of an unplowed prairie remnant and tour the KU herbarium with botanist, Dr. Craig Freeman, Curator of the McGregor Herbarium and professor at KU (morning and early afternoon, includes lunch).

• Experience the Baker University Wetlands and Discovery Center. Enjoy tours and exploration of this reclaimed Wakarusa River wetland (morning).

• Visit the KU Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Institute and experience the exhibit hall, which includes the famous Panorama of North American Plants and Animals, plus enjoy a special behind-the-scenes tour of the specimen collections (afternoon).

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS

All events are taking place in Lawrence, Kansas on or around the University of Kansas campus. The nearest airport is Kansas City International (MCI) which is about a 50-mile drive from Lawrence. You will need to make arrangements for transportation during the duration of your stay, including getting to and getting around Lawrence.

TRAVEL

The Kansas City International Airport is located at 1 International Square, Kansas City, MO 64153 and FlyKCI.com provides all of the information you need to get into and out of this ariport, including terminal maps, driving directions, car rentals and other services.

There will be designated parking on the KU campus, and we encourage carpooling from hotels to save space in parking lots. Limited-mobility parking is also available.

You can also use Explore Lawrence, the convention and visitors bureau of Lawrence, Kansas to get more information on local attractions.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Attendees are responsible for booking and paying for their accommodations. For your convenience, the following Lawrence hotels are offering a limited number of rooms at a discounted group rate. Please be sure to adjust your reservation to align with your travel plans and contact the hotels if you have any questions.

1. Hampton Inn Lawrence (2.0 mi from Monarch Watch)
2300 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049
Rate: $109 per night
Cut-off date: 7/22/25
Phone: 785-841-4994; use group name (KU Monarch Symposium) or group rate code (MON)
Reservation website: Hampton Inn Lawrence
Default dates: 8/4/25 to 8/7/25 - please adjust if necessary

2. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lawrence (2.4 mi from Monarch Watch)
200 McDonald Dr, Lawrence, KS 66044
Rate: $109 per night
Cut-off date: 7/4/25 at 11:59PM
Phone: 785-841-7077
Reservation website: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lawrence
Default dates: 8/4/25 to 8/7/25 - please adjust if necessary

3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lawrence (2.0 mi from Monarch Watch)
3411 S Iowa St, Lawrence, KS 66046
Rate: $114 per night
Cut-off date: TBD
Phone: 785-749-7555
Reservation website: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lawrence
Default dates: 8/5/25 to 8/7/25 - please adjust if necessary

DONATE NOW

If you enjoy the various educational, conservation, and research programs Monarch Watch offers throughout the year, please consider making a donation today - it's quick, easy, secure, and fully tax-deductible. You can even set up a recurring gift (monthly or annually) if you'd like. We rely on contributions from Monarch Watchers just like you to keep the program going - thank you for your continued support!

If you would rather mail in a donation or have questions, please visit Giving in Support of Monarch Watch.