On behalf of the 2026 Conference Planning Committee, we’re delighted to welcome you to the 45th Annual Technical Conference of the National Association of Black Geoscientists – Houston, the cosmos await!

The geosciences are essential to understanding our planet, our resources, and our future. This conference is designed to showcase that impact. We are excited to offer a multidisciplinary program that empowers our community to connect, collaborate, and highlight the innovations shaping the next era of geoscience. Here, attendees can develop essential skills, recognize achievements, and share experiences that will continue to elevate our community.

Our theme, “From Core to Cosmos,” was borne out of our awe of NASA’s recent Artemis II mission, and our appreciation for how (geo)scientific and technological advances continue to rapidly increase our understanding of our universe, its past, present and future. We wanted to reflect on, and celebrate, the full breadth of the impact of geoscience—from Earth’s interior, to planets across the solar system. “From Core to Cosmos” also marks a special milestone: 45 years of NABG, and a return to the city in which we were founded. For many Black geoscientists, NABG feels like a family reunion, and this theme honors that sense of home while celebrating our impact across generations. We aim to recognize the depth of our community while showcasing the diversity of geoscience research in which we partake, and hope to inspire all attendees, new and longtime members alike, to continue connecting, expanding, and shaping the future of our field.

Conference attendees can look forward to a robust technical program aligned with our theme, workshops on science communication and navigating the Green Card process, and insightful keynote and panel discussions. Oral and poster presentations span it all–from volcanic plume modeling, to tracking South Atlantic changes with planktic foraminifera, to exploring diagenesis on Mars. We are especially excited to welcome our 2026 Keynote Speaker, Dr. Robert Bullard who is widely regarded as the “father of environmental justice.” Dr. Bullard will discuss how our science can drive transformative change in our communities. Our special panels will discuss the range of geoscience careers, reflect on NABG’s 45-year legacy, and explore the future of our organization. Finally, between our welcome reception, exhibit hall, recruiting events, video montage, and additional celebrations honoring 45 years of NABG, there is a lot more to enjoy!

To our NABG family, welcome home and welcome back to Houston, where it all began. We are honored to host you. We hope you connect with old and new friends who feel like family, and take a moment to have fun sharing the science that connects us all. Here’s to celebrating 45 years of NABG and a technical conference we hope will be truly memorable!

Ever upward and ever forward,

Claire Bailey & Safiya Alpheus