2025 Joint Summer College for PhD and Early Career Researchers

Summary

The sixth RSA Europe College for PhD students and early career researchers brings together researchers in their early career, established and high-profile researchers and policy experts to present the latest research, policy developments and insights on demographic change, human capital migration, labour market and regional development.

Keynote presentations will be complemented by sessions on methodologies in academic research and professional development focusing on career development, academic writing and publishing skills. The Summer College will be enriched by an excursion day to learn about successful local development strategies in rural and inner areas.

Confirmed keynote speakers are:

• Fabio Mazzola, University of Palermo, Italy
• Alessandra Faggian, Gran Sasso Science Institute, Italy
• Daniele Vignoli, University of Florence, Italy
• Annalisa Busetta, University of Palermo, Italy
• Viktor Venhorst, Groningen University, The Netherlands
• Filipe Batista, European Commission's Joint Research Centre

Offering a friendly and supportive setting, participants will present their research and receive valuable feedback. The Summer College offers great opportunities for socialising, networking and developing long-lasting connections within a dynamic community of early career researchers, established researchers and practitioners.

The College is match funded by RSA Europe, GSSI, and the University of Palermo and thus free to attend for successful applicants. Participants need to cover transport and accommodation costs.

We warmly invite applications from current PhD students and early career researchers (within 5 years after finishing their PhD or equivalent) who are working on regional issues or on questions related to demographic changes from a spatial perspective.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Application documents are to be submitted by Friday 28th March 2025

• your completed application form
• a short video (maximum of 3 minutes) introducing yourself and outlining the research project that you will be presenting at the Summer College - please note your video must be sent via email to Lesa Reynolds lesa.reynolds@regionalstudies.org
• a certificate:
  • confirming your PhD student status; or
  • confirming your early career status (PhD certificate);
• your CV.

Please note that:

• Applicants must be current PhD students or early career applicants (within 5 years of finishing their PhD or demonstrate equivalent experience);
• Applicants must be current RSA members (i.e. student member, early career member or be covered by their institution’s corporate membership);
• there is no fee to attend the Summer College but transport to/from Palermo and accommodation costs need to be covered by participants;
• participants must attend the full programme of the Summer College in-person.