Science Symposium 2025

Science Symposium 2025

VINS Science Symposium 2025 Recap

Science Symposium 2025

In May 2025, VINS hosted its 7th Annual Science Symposium — a dynamic three-day event that brought together 427 students, teachers, and parents from 11 local schools. Held on our beautiful campus, the symposium celebrated youth-driven climate action, hands-on learning, and community collaboration.

This year’s theme centered on student-led solutions to environmental challenges, with projects presented across three distinct tracks:
Energy in the Ecosystem, Earth and Human Activity, and Life and the Atmosphere/Lithosphere.

Each day, participants were energized by incredible keynote presentations from leaders in the field:
  • Celia Chen, Research Professor, Dartmouth College
  • Ryan Rebozo, Director of Conservation Science, Vermont Center for Ecostudies
  • Rosalie Kerr, Director of Sustainability, Dartmouth College
Their insights connected student efforts to broader scientific and policy contexts and reminded us of the importance of collaboration across generations and disciplines.
Science Symposium 2025
Science Symposium 2025

The 2025 Science Symposium was a powerful example of youth empowerment, experiential learning, and environmental leadership. Attendees left inspired to bring their science-based climate solutions back to their schools and communities – with renewed energy and purpose.

We are so proud of the work presented and grateful to everyone who participated. Stay tuned as these student-led ideas grow into long-term climate action across the region.

Energy in the Ecosystem

Students in this track focused on the interconnections within natural systems and how we can support them. Projects addressed urgent ecological issues like:
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Invasive species management
  • Habitat protection
  • Sustainable food systems
From pollinator gardens to native plant restoration efforts, student teams demonstrated innovative thinking and a deep understanding of how ecosystems function—and how humans can help or harm them.
Science Symposium 2025
Science Symposium 2025

Earth and Human Activity

This track showcased powerful student work around the impacts of human activity on the planet—and what we can do about it. Highlights included:
  • Solutions for extreme weather resilience
  • Carbon footprint reduction strategies
  • Plans for implementing renewable resources in schools and communities
Students combined scientific research with practical design thinking to develop responses to the climate crisis that are both actionable and inspiring.

Life and the Atmosphere/Lithosphere

The third track shined a light on the Equitable Climate Action Partnership (ECAP), where participating teachers led community-based climate projects that spanned the Upper Valley region. Their students joined in, amplifying local efforts such as:
  • Community awareness campaigns
  • Collaborative conservation plans
These projects were rooted in equity, engagement, and a strong connection to place. You can read more about this day from our friends at the Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative.
Science Symposium 2025

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