CITY-FOCUS spring school

Building knowledge, shaping cities: Nurturing young researchers in urban science

The Centre for European Studies (CSE) is delighted to announce the upcoming CITY-FOCUS Spring School 2026. The event is supported by the RSAI Nurturing Talent Program and is designed to support early-stage researchers through a combination of lectures, analytical workshops, and interactive discussions addressing urban resilience, spatial modelling, and urban data collection. This intensive training program – “Building Knowledge, Shaping Cities: Nurturing Young Researchers in Urban Science” – brings together leading international scholars and emerging researchers to explore the complexities of contemporary urban transformations. About the Event The Summer School will take place between 14 and 18 April 2026 in Iași, Romania, one of the country’s major academic and cultural centers, at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași. Participants will engage in: • Lectures delivered by internationally renowned experts • Methodological workshops (GIS, spatial modelling, academic writing) • Field visits and guided tours on urban regeneration • Research presentations with feedback from senior scholars

Programe

Selection of participants

The spring scholl will aim to gather PhD students, post-doctoral students, and young researchers from any research field working on digitalization, smart development, smart city and other related topics who are trying to answer the above mentioned challenges. The selection will be based on an application including a CV (two-page) and a research interest letter (two-page). The maximum number of participants accepted is 25. Attention will be paid to gender, age and regional balance when selecting the participants.

Who should apply?

PhD students, postdocs and junior researchers with less than 5 years of research experience (from PhD diploma award). The Summer School intends to bring together smart regional science academics from across Europe and the World. In addition to these criteria, the organizers will look for a mix of international participants.

Why Apply?

This Summer School offers: • Access to cutting-edge methodologies in urban and regional science; • Guidance from internationally recognized experts; • Opportunities for academic networking; • A stimulating environment for refining research and publication strategies; • Hands-on field experience in urban regeneration processes; • A friendly atmosphere, working within an international exchange setting.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by email (cde@uaic.ro, add in CC cse.uaic@gmail.com) and include (in PDF format): • A two-page CV of the applicant; • A two-page summary of their research interests to the themes of the program [template].

Practical Information

Key Dates • Application deadline 25 March 2026 (extended deadline) • Notification of acceptance:  26 March 2026 • Payment  deadline:  30 March 2026           Venue: The Spring School will be held in person at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași,  Romania, from 14–18 April 2026, Accommodation More information will be communicated in due time.