Call for Abstracts 18th Sinkhole Conference

Deadline: March 20, 2026

The Multidisciplinary Conferences on Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst has put out a call for abstracts. 

https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/sinkhole_2026/

The conference accepts abstracts from a wide range of topics related to karst problems including remote sensing, resource monitoring, subsurface remediation, geohazard mitigation, groundwater contamination, geomorphology, and much more.

To learn more and register for the conference go to: Sinkholeconference.com

Course Registration Deadline May 8

Courses range from one-week intensive courses to three-day short courses. Courses are typically held during the summer months.

https://www.karstfieldstudies.com/courses

Deadline: April 14, 2026

Application Link



Application Criteria

To Learn More

Apply for the Beck Student Support Award

Are you an engineering or science student focusing on karst research? Apply for the Beck Student Support Award!

Beck Student Support Award recipients receive:

1. One free Sinkhole Conference registration for the 18th Sinkhole Conference in Albany, New York, October 5-9, 2026.

2. One free registration to a field trip and short course (pending space availability).

3. Reimbursement for up to $500 of personal individual travel, food, and lodging expenses associated with attending the Sinkhole Conference.

Call For Presenters: 2026 NSS Convention

Interested in sharing your work with one of the largest gatherings of cavers and speleologists? Submit a presentation proposal for the 2026 NSS Convention in Corydon, Indiana this summer! You can find out more information here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D755DyzoC/

To learn more about the NSS Biology Session read below:

The Biology Session committee is seeking abstracts for the well-attended Biology Session at the 2026 NSS Convention in Corydon, Indiana. Submit your abstracts to the session chair, Sarah Keenan, at swkeenan@gmail.com no later than March 30th. We welcome submissions of all types related to cave biology. Abstract submissions must include presentation title, full author names specifying the presenting author and their email address, and all author affiliations (Institution, Department, City, State/Region, Country). Abstracts should be no more than 250 words, and include an introduction, methods, key results or findings, and broader implications. Identify whether the presenter is a student and if you would like to be considered for the student presenter award (see below).

The Biology Session committee is pleased to announce availability of the $350 Student Presenter Scholarship. All current students giving an oral presentation are eligible. To apply, simply add a note to your abstract submission (see above) that you would like to be considered for the award. The session committee will review abstracts based on eligibility and the quality (no AI please), novelty, and impact of research as presented in the abstract. Decisions will be announced April 15th, in advance of the May 16 convention deadline for 100% registration refunds. We ask that students receiving travel support from their institution not to apply.

Interagency Technical Ropes Training

Members of the Carlsbad Fire Department and Bureau of Land Management came to NCKRI headquarters to learn vertical rope skills. Instructors from the National Park Service and the Carlsbad Office of the Bureau of Land Management guided students through an intensive two day class.

Investigating Groundwater Discharge at Government Springs

At Government Springs we are assessing potential groundwater interaction with the Rio Bonito by collecting flow and water quality data. There are 15 data sites in the study area where we measure stream flow, water temperature, pH, water conductivity, and water turbulence. we have also been placing charcoal dye receptors for a potential dye trace in the area that should also provide further insights.

Photo Description: Professional Intern Matthew Kaspar measures flowrate at one of the of the Government Springs samples sites.