A Gathering of Minds: AMS 106th Annual Meeting to Explore the Intersection of Weather, Water, and Climate
In January 2026, Houston, Texas, will host the world’s largest annual event dedicated to weather, water, and climate sciences, the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society (AMS). Scheduled from January 25-29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, this event will convene thousands of professionals and students from around the globe, both in person and online, to engage in discussions, share advancements, and foster networking across the atmospheric and hydrologic sciences.
As AMS President David J. Stensrud notes, the meeting will focus on “the human factor in this rapidly changing landscape,” emphasizing the importance of translating scientific innovations into effective decision-making, particularly in disaster readiness. The gathering will feature discussions on diverse scientific advances, ranging from hydrology to applied climatology, while also addressing workforce support throughout professional careers.
Presidential Conference: The Human Element in Decision-Making
The conference’s Presidential Forum, themed “Fast and Slow Thinking: The Human Factor in a Rapidly Changing World,” will delve into how decisions are made under pressure and their implications for weather and climate. Moderated by Bernadette Woods Placky of Climate Central, the panel will include decision-making experts Cass R. Sunstein from Harvard and Hannah Perfecto from Washington University. The forum will be held on Sunday, January 25, at 4 p.m. CT and will be streamed to the public.
Additionally, the meeting will host twelve interdisciplinary Presidential Sessions, focusing on the theme “the Human Factor.” Topics will range from AI forecasting ethics to weather communication with faith communities, providing a platform for varied discussions on contemporary challenges and opportunities.
Celebrating Earth Science Luminaries
Three special symposia will honor notable figures in Earth science. The Rafael L. Bras Symposium will explore hydrological science advancements, recognizing Bras’s contributions to the field. The Richard Stolarski Symposium will focus on ozone research, celebrating Stolarski’s legacy in atmospheric science. The Roger M. Wakimoto Symposium will highlight severe weather research, acknowledging Wakimoto’s influential work in meteorology.
Exploring a Broad Spectrum of Scientific Topics
The meeting will feature nearly 50 conferences and symposia covering a wide array of topics, including Fire Weather, Weather Radar, Tropical Meteorology and Climate, and Major Weather Impacts of 2025. The sessions will also feature the First Annual Disaster and Emergency Management Symposium, focusing on integrating meteorology with emergency management.
Other Events and Opportunities
Town Halls will offer a platform for community discussions on pressing issues, including AI ethics and urban weather resilience. The annual awards ceremony on January 25 will honor impactful contributions in the fields of weather, water, and climate. Career and networking events will also be available, including a Career Resource and Graduate School Fair and opportunities for professional development.
The 106th AMS Annual Meeting will cater to both in-person and virtual attendees, with all sessions accessible online. Registration is free for accredited press members, with detailed press guidelines available here.
Original Story at www.eurekalert.org