CSCMP’s Academic Research Symposium (ARS) is a premier platform for academic collaboration, where scholars and educators come together to explore groundbreaking research and innovative teaching methodologies. Held in conjunction with the EDGE conference, the ARS offers a unique opportunity to connect academic theory with real-world supply chain practices, fostering meaningful exchanges between researchers and industry professionals.
The 2026 Symposium will spotlight the evolution of the supply chain management and logistics discipline, examining past milestones, present challenges, and future opportunities. Participants can engage with cutting-edge research and teaching strategies through multiple breakout tracks, typically featuring:
- Tracks focused on research addressing diverse areas of business.
- Tracks dedicated to pedagogy, showcasing advances in teaching methods.
In addition to breakout tracks, attendees will benefit from panel discussions, poster sessions, and workshops, creating a rich environment for networking and the exchange of ideas.
Location
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, Tennessee, 37214
Registration
The academic programming at EDGE 2026 runs from Saturday to Monday, concluding with the Donald J. Bowersox Doctoral Symposium on Monday. The Academic Research Symposium (ARS) is a 1.5-day event taking place Saturday, October 3 through Sunday, October 4, 2026.
EDGE 2026 registrations include access to the ARS, and ARS-only tickets are also available.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations received by:
– August 15, 2026, 11:59 pm CST: Receive a full refund (less $50 administrative fee)
– August 31, 2026, 11:59 pm CST: Receive a 50% refund
– September 1, 2026 or later: No refunds will be accepted - All cancellations must be made by e-mail to edge@agilebme.com
- CSCMP memberships are nontransferable and never refunded
- Cancellation of travel and hotel reservations are the sole responsibility of the registrant
Agenda
Saturday Overview – October 3, 2026
The Academic Research Symposium (ARS) kicks off on Saturday afternoon with a series of engaging sessions and networking opportunities:
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Annual JBL Meeting
- 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | TBD
- 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Doctoral Symposium Meet & Greet (Invitation Only)
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Meet the Academics Reception
Sunday Overview – October 4, 2026
Join us Sunday for a dynamic day of insightful research presentations, engaging discussions, and prestigious award recognitions.
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | ARS Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – 9:25 AM | ARS Welcome & Opening Remarks
- 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | TBD
- 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM | ARS Concurrent Breakout Sessions I
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | TBD
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | ARS Poster Session I & Networking Break
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | ARS Lunch
- 1:30 PM – 2:20 PM | ARS Concurrent Breakout Sessions II
- 2:20 PM – 2:50 PM | ARS Poster Session II & Networking Break
- 2:50 PM – 3:40 PM | ARS Concurrent Breakout Sessions III
- 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM | ARS Awards & Closing Remarks
Monday Overview – October 5, 2026
The Donald J. Bowersox Doctoral Symposium will take place on Monday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, concluding the academic programming at EDGE 2026.
CSCMP 2026 Academic Opportunities: Calls for Research, Cases & Doctoral Recognition
Academic Research Symposium – 2026 Call for Papers
Submission Period: March 16 – May 17, 2026
Requirement: Participation in the 2026 Academic Research Symposium (ARS)
All research submissions (papers, abstracts, and poster sessions) will be evaluated based on their originality, clarity, research design, and theoretical and practical contributions.We particularly welcome submissions related to supply chain management and its various disciplines, including logistics and transportation, marketing, operations, and purchasing.
Only complete research papers will be considered for the prestigious E. Grosvenor Plowman Award, which recognizes the best research paper presented at the Academic Research Symposium.
CSCMP Academic Library – 2026 Call for Cases
Submission Period: March 16 – May 24, 2026
Opportunity: Present at the 2026 Academic Research Symposium (ARS)
CSCMP invites academics to submit original, classroom-ready supply chain case studies for its online case library. Accepted cases will be eligible for presentation at ARS and will receive a $1,000 honorarium for both full-length and single-day cases.
CSCMP seeks cases covering topics such as transportation, sustainability, procurement, risk management, and data analytics. Cases should feature engaging narratives, real-world data (where available), and clear discussion questions. Teaching notes are required for eligibility.
Doctoral Dissertation Award – 2026 Nominations
Nomination Period: March 30 – May 24, 2026
Requirement: Participation in the 2026 Academic Research Symposium (ARS)
The 2026 Doctoral Dissertation Award (DDA) is open to individuals who have completed and defended their doctoral work in a supply chain-related field between January 1, 2025, and May 15, 2026. To be eligible, candidates MUST:
- Be a CSCMP member
- Adhere to all criteria and formatting guidelines
- Submit a completed nomination form
Donald J. Bowersox Doctoral Symposium – 2026 Nominations
Application Period: March 30 – May 24, 2026
Requirement: CSCMP student membership & participation in the 2026 Doctoral Symposium
The Doctoral Symposium is an annual event held at the EDGE Conference, designed specifically for doctoral candidates specializing in supply chain management and related fields who plan to pursue a career in academia. Highly recommended by both participants and faculty, this symposium is particularly valuable for students in the later stages of their doctoral studies, providing essential insights, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support their academic careers. Students are nominated by supervising faculty and chosen by the Bowersox Doctoral Symposium Co-Chairs.
CSCMP Distinguished Fellows – 2026 Nominations
Application Period: June 1 – July 12, 2026
The CSCMP Distinguished Fellows Program recognizes academic leaders who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to supply chain management through research, teaching, and service to the CSCMP community. Established by the Academic Strategies Committee, this honorific society highlights scholars whose work has significantly influenced both academic thought and industry practice, while fostering continued collaboration, mentorship, and leadership within the field.
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