The J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities & Energy Management produces academic and applied research for a broad commodity-practitioner audience. Our Center sponsors an annual Research Symposium in partnership with our global Research Council and Industry expert partners.
New Directions in Commodities Research Symposium
Date: August 11-12, 2026
Location: CU Denver Business School, 1475 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80202
Early Bird Rate: $350 in-person / $75 online
Regular Rate (after June 29): $400 in-person / $100 online
Student pricing available, please contact michele.cooper@ucdenver.edu for details
New Directions in Commodities Research Symposium brings together global thought leaders, academics, industry analysts, and influential practitioners to explore the future of commodities research. This two-day event highlights innovative scholarship that blends academic rigor with real-world relevance—addressing the practical challenges and emerging opportunities in today’s commodity markets.
Attendees will experience:
- Competitively selected research papers
- Invited presentations from top industry research leaders
- Engaging industry panel discussions
- Ignite presentation sessions featuring high-quality emerging research
Whether you’re a researcher, practitioner, policymaker, or student, this symposium provides a unique platform to exchange ideas, build collaborations, and shape the next phase of commodities scholarship.
Explore past programs:
2025 Symposium Agenda 2024 Symposium Agenda 2023 Symposium Agenda
Call for Papers — Deadline March 16, 2026
We invite submissions of completed research papers for the ninth annual New Directions in Commodities Research Symposium, held August 11–12, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
The symposium welcomes academically rigorous, practitioner‑relevant work across major commodity sectors—including energy, metals & minerals, agriculture, commodity futures/derivatives, and related topics. Selected papers may also be considered for a Journal of Futures Markets special issue.
Key Dates:
- Submission Deadline: March 16, 2026
- Decisions Sent: April 15, 2026
Quick Summary:
- Submit completed PDF papers only
- All commodity‑related research areas welcome
- Preference may be given to presenters attending in person
- Sponsored special issue opportunity in Journal of Futures Markets
Click here for full submission requirements and details
Logistics
Location
CU Denver Lawrence Street Center — Terrace Room
August 11–12, 2026
Tuesday, August 11
- 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Conference Presentations
- 4:45 – 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception
Wednesday, August 12
- 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Conference Presentations
In-person registration includes breakfast, lunch, and the Tuesday evening cocktail reception.
Traveling from out of state?
CU Denver offers access to discounted hotel rates through the CU Preferred Hotel Program.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support the next generation of commodities researchers while showcasing your organization’s leadership in the field. Sponsorship packages include branding opportunities, recognition at the event, and select speaking opportunities.
Contact Dr. Michael Orlando, Executive Director, at michael.orlando@ucdenver.edu to discuss sponsorship options.
Academic & Applied Research
Research from the J.P. Morgan Endowed Chair and Research Director, Dr. Jian Yang
Dr. Jian Yang is an internationally recognized scholar and one of the most prolific authors in finance over the past 50 years, based on core finance journal publications, and is one of 15 commodities-friendly professors in the world. He serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Futures Markets as well as the Journal of Commodities Markets. Dr. Jian Yang also utilizes his academic research to provide applied research insights on practical problems through interviews with business media. Here is a showcase of his most recent research in commodities.
“Return and Volatility Transmission between Chinese and International Oil Futures Markets: A First Look,” Journal of Futures Markets, forthcoming, 2020.
“The Impact of Crude Oil Inventory Announcements on Prices: Evidence from Derivatives Markets,” Journal of Futures Markets, January 2018.
“Are There Exploitable Trends in Commodity Futures Prices?” Journal of Banking and Finance, September 2016.
Price discovery in chinese agricultural futures markets: A comprehensive look Jian Yang, Zheng Li, Tao Wang. The Journal of Futures Markets. December 17, 2020
The First Commodity Futures Index of 1933 Geetesh Bhardwaj, K. Geert Rouwenhorst. December 14, 2019
The Commodity Futures Risk Premium: 1871–2018 Geetesh Bhardwaj, Rajkumar Janardanan, K. Geert Rouwenhorst. October 1, 2019
Who Holds Positions in Agricultural Futures Markets Michel A. Robe & John Spencer Roberts, August 25, 2019.
The Relative Inefficiency of Petroleum Fiscal Regimes in Latin America and the Caribbean Graham A. Davis, Ph.D, James L. Smith, Ph.D., June 24, 2019
Resources and Diplomacy: Commodity Signposts to a Post-War Economic Order, GCARD, Colin Waugh, Summer 2022
The Day Oil Markets Reacted to Omicron, GCARD, Blu Putnam & Arthur Yu, Summer 2022
Gold and Bitcoin - A Short Study of Two Carbon Impacts, GCARD, Gillis Bjork Danielsen, Winter 2021
The Smile of the Volatility Risk Premia, GCARD, Ilia Bouchouev, Winter 2021
Searching for Asymmetry: The Case of Crude Oil GCARD, Blu Putnam, Winter 2021