International Monarch Science Symposium

Registration is now closed - thank you for your interest!

Join us in Lawrence, Kansas, August 5-7, 2025 to learn more about monarchs, hear about the latest monarch research from scientists, and connect with folks from all over the world who are passionate about these spectacular butterflies. We have more than 45 scientists scheduled for presentations as well as several panels and poster sessions. Please check this page periodically for updates.

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.

Important Dates:

• March 31, 2025 - research abstract submission deadline
• May, 2025 - presenters will be notified of abstract acceptance and presentation format
• June 12, 2025 - early registration begins
• July 7, 2025 - last day for early registration
• July 11, 2025 - last day to cancel for full refund
• July 16, 2025 - last day to register

For Presenters:

• Research Abstract Submission Form

Registration:

• Early registration (June 12-July 7): closed
• Regular registration (July 8-16): closed

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

Terms & Conditions: We are committed to a safe, respectful, and positive symposium experience for all participants. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior-whether in-person, online, or on social media-will not be tolerated. By registering, you agree to respect others' opinions and personal space. Violators may be removed without a refund.

Photos, videos, and other recordings may be taken during the symposium, including pre/post and virtual events. By registering, you consent to being recorded and authorize Monarch Watch and its representatives to use the content for educational or promotional purposes (e.g., news, websites, social media).

Cancellations: Cancellations made by July 11, 2025 will receive a full refund. Cancellations after this date will be refunded minus a $50 administrative fee for non-recoverable costs. Please contact us at monarch@ku.edu to cancel your registration.

Contact: monarch@ku.edu

GENERAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Below is a general schedule of events. Note: There will be concurrent presentation sessions on Wednesday, August 5, from 8:45a to 6:15p and on Thursday, August 6, from 8:30a to 12p. A more detailed schedule will be up as soon as it's available so attendees can plan which sessions they'd like to join.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025

9:00AM-4:00PM - optional field trips (see below for details)

4:30PM - registration check-in begins

5:00PM-7:00PM - evening reception

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025

8:15AM - registration check-in continues

8:45AM-6:30PM - sessions run, with breaks and lunch (provided) in between

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2025

8:30AM-12:00PM - sessions run

12:00PM-2:00PM - optional lunch (free with symposium registration) and open discussion/networking time

TENTATIVE LIST OF PRESENTERS

Below is a tentative list of symposium presenters; details subject to change. Note: There will be concurrent presentation sessions on Wednesday, August 5, from 8:45a to 6:30p and on Thursday, August 6, from 8:30a to 12p. A more detailed schedule will be up as soon as it's available so attendees can plan which sessions they'd like to join. Also, some speakers will be presenting remotely (noted below), and attendees will be able to view these presentations on the screens in the conference rooms.

FIELD TRIP OPTIONS

We have a few field trips and tours available on Tuesday, August 5th, before the symposium. These trips can be selected on the symposium registration page and will be added to registration costs at checkout. Please be sure to note the timing of each field trip, as there is some overlap.

• Explore the rich plant diversity of Rockefeller Prairie, an exemplary tallgrass prairie remnant overlooking the Kansas River valley; learn about the research and informal science education happening at the KU Field Station and tour the R.L. McGregor Herbarium, the largest collection of plant specimens documenting the flora of the Great Plains. Your hosts will be botanist Dr. Craig Freeman, Curator in the KU Biodiversity Institute and Senior Scientist in the Kansas Biological Survey, and Wendy Holman, Education Program Coordinator at the KU Field Station. Closed-toed shoes, long pants, hat, and a water bottle are highly recommended. Sunscreen and insect repellant will be available. Tuesday, August 5, 9:00AM-2:00PM, includes lunch, 22 participants maximum, $47

• Experience the Baker University Wetlands and Discovery Center. This field trip will include exhibits, guided hikes, and exploration of this reclaimed Wakarusa River wetland. Closed-toed shoes, long pants, hat, and a water bottle are highly recommended. Sunscreen and insect repellant will be available. Tuesday, August 5, 9:00AM-12:00PM, 47 participants maximum, $18

• Visit the KU Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Institute where you can experience four floors of public exhibits, including the historic Panorama, live snakes and insects, vertebrate and invertebrate fossils, flora and fauna of the Great Plains, and more! Plus, enjoy special behind-the-scenes tours of research divisions and exhibit-development spaces. Tuesday, August 5, 1:00PM-4:00PM, 34 participants maximum, $25

PARKING ON CAMPUS

Parking lots on the KU campus are color-coded and require a permit; however, classes are not currently in session and parking in YELLOW lots is unrestricted at this time. The screenshot below shows Monarch Watch's approximate location on KU's West Campus and symposium activities will be based in the Foley and Pharmacy buildings (FOLE and PHAR on map below); you can see several Yellow Lots in the area (those labeled "214" would be the closest). You may also view/download the full KU Parking Map.

Please be aware: If you park in any other lots not designated as yellow, you will likely receive a ticket from KU Transportation Services. Also, construction is currently happening along Iowa Street, and the 19th Street entrance to KU's West Campus is temporarily closed. There is also construction happening elsewhere in Lawrence, so you may want to add some extra time as you plan your commute to the symposium.

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 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, ground transportation options 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: 7/14/25 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: 7/14/25
Phone: 785-749-7555
Reservation website: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lawrence
Default dates: 8/5/25 to 8/7/25 - please adjust if necessary

SELECT HOTEL SHUTTLES

For those who are staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lawrence or the Hampton Inn Lawrence, we'll be offering an optional shuttle service to and from those hotels before/after the evening reception on August 5, before/after the symposium events on August 6, and before the symposium on August 7. If you'd like to use this service, please refer to the pick-up and drop-off schedule below.

August 5th

4:00p - Pick Up at Double Tree by Hilton
4:15p - Pick Up at Hampton Inn
4:30p - Drop Off at KU School of Pharmacy

7:15p - Pick Up at KU School of Pharmacy
7:30p - Drop Off at Hampton Inn
7:45p - Drop Off at Double Tree by Hilton

August 6th

7:45a - Pick Up at Double Tree by Hilton
8:00a - Pick Up at Hampton Inn
8:15a - Drop Off at KU School of Pharmacy

6:30p - Pick Up at KU School of Pharmacy
6:45p - Drop Off at Hampton Inn
7:00p - Drop Off at Double Tree by Hilton

August 7th

7:45a - Pick Up at Double tree by Hilton
8:00a - Pick Up at Hampton Inn
8:15a - Drop Off at KU School of Pharmacy

SYMPOSIUM SPONSORS

DONATE TO MONARCH WATCH

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.