2025 - 2027 AESOP Young Academics Network Coordination Team Elections

PhD Fellow, City University of Hong Kong

The main driver is the wish of challenging myself more and more. I am strongly convinced that an immersion in the work of the YA could be the right way to improve my abilities and skills. I am particularly interested in SDGs, aiming to contribute to the sustainability of cities; at the moment, my studies focus on African metropolises, the epicentre of global urbanisation.

PhD Asst. Prof, Sakarya University of Applied Sciences

As an urban transport planning researcher and scholar, I am passionate about building more inclusive, sustainable, and connected cities—and academic communities. With a PhD in Transport Planning and Policy and an interdisciplinary background combining civil engineering, mobility studies, and policy research, I have worked on a variety of projects that reflect the core values of AESOP Young Academics: collaboration, innovation, and impact.

Currently, I serve as a PhD scholar at Sakarya University of Applied Sciences and as the faculty representative for the University’s Accessibility Office. My work bridges the gap between theory and practice, focusing on public transportation integration, micromobility planning, and accessibility for disadvantaged groups in urban planning. My recent projects include the development of the Public Transportation Integration Score (TTES), field research on active mobility in coastal towns, and studies on walkability and connectivity around new tram lines. These initiatives not only contribute to academic literature but also offer practical tools for local governments and communities.

International collaboration has been at the heart of my academic journey. I was a guest researcher at TU Wien and Erasmus University Rotterdam, where I worked with leading scholars on mobility behavior, accessibility, and urban inequality. I also participated in the ISOCARP Young Planning Professionals (YPP) workshop in Almeria and most recently contributed to the Organizing Committee of the 60th ISOCARP World Planning Congress. These experiences have sharpened my skills in intercultural teamwork, strategic planning, and academic event coordination.

I am excited by the opportunity to join the AESOP YA Coordination Team for the 2025–2027 term. I see this role not just as a platform to contribute but as a responsibility to empower emerging voices in planning—especially from underrepresented regions. I aim to:

• Strengthen cross-border collaboration and mentorship among young academics;
• Promote inclusive approaches that address mobility challenges for marginalized communities;
• Support the organization of dynamic events that connect research with policy and practice;
• Ensure that the AESOP YA Network continues to be a vibrant and supportive environment for early-career scholars.

With strong research background, international networks, and a clear commitment to inclusive planning, I am ready to contribute with full energy and vision to the AESOP Young Academics community.

Postdoctoral researcher, Politecnico di Torino - DIST

I’m a postdoctoral researcher in Urban and Regional Development at the Politecnico di Torino, specializing in spatial planning and territorial governance within a pan-European context. My research focuses primarily on European metropolitan governance, with additional expertise in Italian metropolitan governance, cohesion policy, and governance structures at the European, national, and metropolitan levels. I also work on sustainable urbanization and land consumption, particularly analysing the legal frameworks and spatial planning systems that regulate territorial development.

Since 2023, I have been serving as Assistant to the Secretary General of AESOP. This role has given me a unique insight into the internal workings of the association, allowing me to closely follow the activities of the Executive Committee and to fully appreciate the continuous growth and significance of the AESOP Young Academics Network. I am well-acquainted with all the initiatives developed by the YA team in recent years, having had the opportunity to interact regularly with the previous YA Chairs. As I contribute daily to the broader AESOP community, I now feel eager and prepared to offer my commitment more directly within the YA Network, supporting its mission and further empowering its members.

My journey with AESOP began at the Tartu Congress in 2022, and since then I have actively taken part in the AESOP Congresses in Łódź (2023), Paris (2024), and will be present in Istanbul (2025). I have also participated in the Heads of Schools Meetings in Venice (2024) and Liverpool (2025), which have further deepened my understanding of AESOP’s governance and strategic priorities.

One of the focal points of my potential contribution to the YA Coordination Team would be to strengthen the role of AESOP Thematic Groups as bridges between early-career and senior researchers. I believe TGs are powerful spaces for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and collaborative research, and I would work to increase YA participation and visibility within them.

In addition, I am particularly interested in redefining the role of Regional Ambassadors. I see great potential in revitalising and restructuring this position to enhance its strategic function as a connector between the YA community across different regions and, first and foremost, the YA Coordination Team and, subsequently, the AESOP Executive Committee. Strengthening this link would support the decentralisation of YA activities, foster local engagement, and better integrate the perspectives of young researchers into the broader governance of the association.

I also consider it crucial to continue supporting and enhancing plaNext – Next Generation Planning, the YA open-access journal recently indexed in Scopus. plaNext is an essential platform that should be further promoted as a publication opportunity for early-career researchers in planning.

Alongside this, I believe the Booklet Project – Conversations in Planning Theory and Practice is an outstanding initiative that should be sustained and expanded. It is a valuable tool for passing on the values, reflections, and experiences of the planning community to future generations of scholars.

Last but not least, I strongly believe in the importance of continuing to support the core activities of the YA Network, such as the YA Conference and the AESOP PhD Workshop. These are not only moments of academic growth but also key opportunities for building long-lasting professional and personal relationships within the planning community.

I am deeply motivated, committed, and ready to contribute to the development of the AESOP YA Network and to reinforce and valorize its role within the AESOP community.

Master student in urban studies, no affiliation 

I am writing to express my strong interest in joining your team, driven by my
passion for territorial, environmental landscape, and urban planning. As a recent graduate
with a Master’s degree in Environmental Landscape and Urbanism, complemented by
degrees in Architecture and, I bring a multidisciplinary skill set that blends creative design
with strategic urban and territorial planning.
My academic and professional journey has deepened my interest in sustainable urban
development, landscape enhancement, and environmental resource management. The
territorial planner plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable urbanization, managing land use,
environmental resources, and addressing challenges such as climate change, air pollution, and
social inequalities. Unlike architecture programmes focused on individual buildings, and
engineering programmes centred on technical interventions, my studies adopted a
multidisciplinary approach to analyse urban and territorial dynamics.
This focus emphasized the organization of cities and extended territories, environmental
sustainability, energy management, and the safeguarding of cultural and historical heritage. It
has equipped me with the strategic tools needed to develop innovative, large-scale solutions
that improve quality of life and promote resilient, sustainable development at local, national,
and supranational levels.
In addition to my academic background, I have hands-on experience in urban planning,
landscape architecture, and graphic design, which has honed my ability to approach
challenges with both creativity and analytical precision. My expertise extends to advertising,
brand communication, and innovative design solutions, cultivated through roles in
architecture offices and public relations. This diverse experience enables me to integrate
sustainable planning with impactful visual storytelling, ensuring that projects are not only
environmentally sound but also resonate with communities.
I am eager to contribute my skills and passion to your team, where I can collaborate with
like-minded professionals to shape sustainable, vibrant environments. I would welcome the
opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your team’s goals and how I can
contribute to your projects. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the
possibility of speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,

PhD Student, Politecnica de Madrid

I am deeply passionate about reimagining urban spaces to create environments that are vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable. My journey as an architect and PhD candidate in Sustainability and Urban Regeneration is driven by the belief that innovative design has the power to transform cities into dynamic, human-centered environments where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

My professional experiences—from collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in Madrid to pioneering climate-adaptive projects in Kuwait—have shown me that success in urban planning comes from blending technical expertise with empathy and cultural understanding. My research on smart city technologies and citizen participation is not only an academic pursuit but a personal mission to empower communities and help them find their voice in shaping their own futures.

I am excited by the prospect of learning from my peers within the AESOP Young Academics Network, and I look forward to the opportunity to both contribute to the field and support fellow researchers. I believe that every young academic has a unique perspective, and as a member of the Coordination Team, I am eager to facilitate platforms where innovative ideas are exchanged, and where emerging researchers are encouraged to confidently share their insights.

Moreover, I am passionate about mentoring and helping younger researchers connect with their peers to foster a sense of belonging and collaboration. I envision my role on the Coordination Team as one where I can serve as both a learner and a guide—facilitating discussions, driving interdisciplinary research collaborations, and ensuring that the voices of early-career professionals resonate within the broader academic community.

Joining the YA Coordination Team is an opportunity to be at the forefront of evolving sustainable urban practices, to draw inspiration from a diverse network of brilliant minds, and to make a tangible impact on both academic research and real-world urban transformation. I am committed to contributing to an environment that nurtures creativity, supports professional growth, and ultimately, helps shape cities that are not only smart but also deeply responsive to the needs of their people.

PhD student, Czech Technical University in Prague

I am a PhD student at the Czech Technical University in Prague, researching the link between the built environment and car dependency in the suburbs. I also teach seminars on the fundamentals of city planning and co-lead an urban design studio. Additionally, I studied at UCL in London and DTU in Copenhagen.

Within the YA network, I’m actively involved as the head organiser for next year’s YA PhD Conference in Prague 2026 [don’t forget to apply! :) ]. I’ve also been part of recent AESOP congresses (Lodz 2023, Paris 2024, and soon Istanbul 2025).

At home university, I help organise the PhD conference People–City–Transport [again – don’t forget to apply! :) ]. I also run open courses to popularise urban planning (Athens).

Outside academia, I love cities, public transport, and brewing beer (feel free to ask me about it!).

WHAT AESOP YA MEANS TO ME

To me, YA is a brilliant platform for both learning and connecting with people. Sure, it's about research, but it’s equally about meeting like-minded peers, making friends and colleagues.

What I really appreciate is that it’s a place where no one has to pretend to be perfect. It’s informal, open, and fair – a space for young and enthusiastic researchers to learn, grow, and just be themselves.

It’s also a space for mentoring, skill-sharing, and self-development through workshops and thematic activities. And YA’s dedication to equal opportunities – from free events to travel bursaries – really sets it apart.

WHY I’M RUNNING FOR THE COORDINATION TEAM

I’d like to contribute to keeping this great platform on track. Making things look effortless – like conferences, workshops, blogs, or projects – is actually the most challenging part. And I want to help keep things running smoothly.

I also care deeply about equality, both geographical and social. Coming from Eastern Europe, I know how different study conditions can be compared to more developed countries. I also want to support students from outside Europe, particularly from the Middle East and South Asia, who often face even bigger challenges.

Finally, I want to help maintain the YA spirit – open, informal, and welcoming. We’re all still students, we are still learning, we are still making mistakes. So we need a safe place to meet, to learn, to grow – we need our YA.

PhD Candidate, Division of Science, Technology and Society, Chalmers University of Technology

I have attended a number of different AESOP conferences and my overall experience has always been extremely positive. AESOP has provided me with interesting presentations, stimulating discussions and fantastic opportunities to network with brilliant researchers. This positive experience is also the main reason why I am applying to be part of the "AESOP YA Coordination Team" - I think you and the organization as a whole are doing a fantastic job. A work that I would like to be a part of and contribute to.

So, what can I contribute to the work of AESOP YA with my background? One answer to this question is that I have participated in, and in some cases organized, conferences and similar activities in different countries. This has given me a good understanding of how such contexts should work to create the best opportunities for the participants.

As you can see from my CV, I also have a broad academic network, with many contacts in the Nordic countries, but also in other academic environments in for example Ireland, Germany, Austria and Italy. I have a strong commitment to European and global academic cooperation, and I believe that this is an important driving force for a role in AESOP. With my contacts, there are also particularly good opportunities to develop AESOP's work in new academic environments across Europe. Already this year I will be involved in organizing the conference for the AESOP Planning and Complexity Group, which will take place at my university Chalmers in Gothenburg in November.

Another aspect I would like to share in a role at AESOP is my interdisciplinary academic profile. In a way, I have an unusual profile in AESOP as an academic context. I am a political scientist and philosopher with a strong interest in urban development in general and the ethical dimensions of urban architecture in particular. I find AESOP to be a very open environment, both culturally and in terms of academic disciplines. This has been a great advantage for me, as I have been welcomed with open arms, even though I am not a “classical planner”. Nevertheless, I believe that my somewhat unusual academic profile in this context could have added something significant to the work of AESOP YA. I will be able to bring different theoretical and empirical perspectives based on my particular academic background. It is also about the fact that, with my interdisciplinary profile, I will have the opportunity to promote AESOP and its work in academic environments that do not normally participate in our conferences and other activities - but who should!

In conclusion, I believe that my academic and non-academic experience, my strong passion for global academic cooperation, and my experience in initiating and implementing projects could have made a significant contribution to AESOP YA. Thank you for considering my application!

Research Assistant - PhD Candidate, Middle East Technical University - Department of City and Regional Planning

I am Deniz Can. I am an architect and city planner from Turkey. Since 2016 I have been working as a research and teaching assistant at the Department of City and Regional Planning at Middle East Technical University (METU). I completed my master’s degree in the same department, focusing on smart city initiatives in the Turkish context. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD, with a research emphasis on the climate crisis and the localization of the European Green Deal within urban policy and planning frameworks.

I first engaged with the AESOP Young Academics community during the 2017 Aesop Congress in Portugal. At that early stage in my academic journey, YA was more than just a network—it was a community. It offered me a space to connect, to collaborate, and to grow. Since then, I have taken deliberate steps to contribute to this vibrant community, that I believe plays an important role in empowering early-career researchers.

In 2022, I took part in 16th AESOP YA Conference in İstanbul Turkey, as a member of the local organization team. Through this experience, I had the opportunity to lead critical coordination efforts, foster inclusive dialogue among a diverse group of participants, and strengthened the visibility of YA within broader academic and professional planning circles. In 2023, I took another commitment by co-founding and organizing the first-ever planning students’ meeting in Turkey—AGORA, hosted at Middle East Technical University under the theme of Disaster Resilience. This initiative brought together planning students, researchers, NGOs and professionals from across the country, and created an open, interdisciplinary space for co-learning and critical engagement with urgent planning challenges in the aftermath of major disasters.

These coordination and collaboration experiences, combined with my academic work, have shaped a vision rooted in inclusive, just, and transformative planning. I am currently completing my PhD at Middle East Technical University, where my research focuses on the localization of the European Green Deal, climate governance, and the role of institutional capacity in urban sustainability transitions. My work involves contemporary planning themes: urban resilience, digital transformation, socio-spatial equity, and interdisciplinary knowledge production.

As a researcher, I advocate for planning that is participatory, inclusive and interdisciplinary and I believe the Young Academics community plays a crucial role in modeling these values. I have represented my work at international conferences such as AESOP, RSA, Changing Cities, and Docomomo, served as a board member of the Chamber of Architects of Turkey Ankara Branch (2022–2024), and currently sit as an alternate board member at the Architects’ Association 1927. These roles have honed my capacity for collaboration, organization, and advocacy skills I now bring to the YA Coordination Team candidacy.
I believe as a global catalyst for the next generation of planners YA network holds the potential not only to adapt to change but actively shape it for a better future. With dedication, creativity, and a strong foundation of experience, I am ready to help steer that course.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to building the future of YA—together.
Warm regards,

Deniz CAN

PhD, no current affiliation 

Megdelawit Yoseph is an Ethiopian architect who specializes in Architecture and urban conservation. She completed her bachelor's degree in architecture and graduated from Addis Ababa university. She joined the Sapienza university of Rome to complete her master's in architecture conservation. Studying in Rome has allowed her to immerse herself fully in the ancient architecture and origins of the city. Her master's thesis heavily focused on urban morphology in Rome; while doing her research, she had an introduction to the different theoretical frameworks of urban morphology, where most of the researchers and studies focused on historic European cities. Understanding the lack of research in urban morphology in her native country led her to pursue her Ph.D. research project in the study of historical towns of Ethiopia with the aspiration to provide input into the current efforts to establish heritage guidelines and conservation policies in the urban heritage of Ethiopia.

During her studies, She had different opportunities to be involved in various international institutions as an intern and visiting researcher. At Lulea university, she researched the urban conservation guidelines of the city of Pitea in connection with an urban morphology perspective and how the current and previous guidelines consider the urban morphological elements while setting their guidelines. In Italy, she had the opportunity to be part of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property as an intern in the youth Heritage Africa program. She learned about connecting cultural heritage and how it is possible to link it to the livelihood of young African citizens. Additionally, while interning at the Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production in Germany, she familiarized herself with various thematic areas of sustainability and the real-life application of sustainability in practice.

Overall, her career has taken her to various places and helped her garner a variety of skill sets in the realm of heritage, sustainability, and the built environment.
Megdelawit brings a diverse outlook and skills from her lived experience and academic background, especially the connection between historic cities and urban morphology. Megdelawit believes in a people-centered approach to urban conservation and planning and exploring an integrated approach to urban morphological study in intervening in historical cities.

Currently, she is a consultant in the heritage and architecture industry.
Overall, megdelawit brings a valuable skill set in teamwork and communication skills to coordinate tasks and projects smoothly.

Research Assistant-PhD Candidate, Research Assistant at Istanbul University, Department of City and Regional Planning

I am writing to express my strong interest in joining the AESOP Young Academics Network Coordination Team for the 2025–2027 term. As a Research Assistant in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Istanbul University and a PhD candidate at Istanbul Technical University, I am deeply committed to advancing planning education, promoting academic exchange, and fostering meaningful collaboration among early-career scholars. My academic research focuses on urban transformation, housing policy, urban identity, and urban design—particularly in the context of Istanbul and other metropolitan areas. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have actively engaged in both research projects and community-oriented planning initiatives. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the importance of cross-disciplinary dialogue and international cooperation in shaping inclusive and sustainable urban futures.

Serving on the AESOP YA Coordination Team would be an honor and a valuable opportunity for me to contribute more directly to the academic community that has significantly influenced my own development. I am especially motivated to support international dialogue among young researchers, organize inclusive events and workshops, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration within the field of planning. I believe my academic background, strong communication and organizational skills, and genuine commitment to supporting peers in their scholarly paths make me a strong candidate for this role.

I look forward to contributing to the strategic vision of the Network and to amplifying the voices of young academics from diverse backgrounds within the broader AESOP community. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the Coordination Team in shaping the future of the AESOP Young Academics Network.

Yours sincerely,
Elifsu Şahin

Research Assistant, Istanbul University
PhD Candidate, Istanbul Technical University
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Master's student, no current affiliation 

At the very beginning of my academic journey in my master's process, ASEOP helped me a lot with the networks it shared and the events it organized. It helped me to move forward with safer steps for my PhD career. The fact that there are many young researchers in the organization made me feel that I am not alone and that I am a part of this ecosystem. For this very reason, I want to be a part of this team and be a part of this team that will inspire other young researchers like me.

PhD, Middle East Technical University (METU)

Graduated from the Middle East Technical University (METU), Department of City and Regional Planning in 2020, the same year I started my academic journey at METU as a research and teaching assistant. Currently on its early stages, my PhD research focuses on the human-nature interaction within a broader framework of planetary urbanism; I emphasize to move beyond the nature-urban divide and to place human as part -rather than the controller- of nature, and of the urbanization processes.
As a young academic, I believe that excellence in academic research first requires a healthy relationship with ourselves and our environments. This perspective was an inspiration from the AESOP YA 2022 Istanbul Conference, for which I was a member of the organization committee. There I gained a great insights in academic exchange and community building.
I was thrilled to see the theme of “interaction” featured in the upcoming AESOP YA Conference in 2026, as it strongly resonates with the core ideas of my research. With this excitement, and together with my enthusiasm in building new relationships, I would be honored to be a part of the coordination team for new dialogues, experiences and great works!

PhD student, Istanbul Technical University

As a passionate researcher and urbanist, I am excited to apply for the Young Academics Coordination Team for the 2025–2027 term. My motivation stems from a strong commitment to collaborative, inclusive, and interdisciplinary academic environments.

My research focuses on sustainable urban practices, with a particular emphasis on blue-green infrastructure. In my PhD thesis, I conduct a comparative study between different cultural and geographical contexts. This research has demonstrated the value of collaboration across diverse cultures and contexts. I see the AESOP YA Network as a powerful platform for connection and support, and I’m eager to contribute by fostering dialogue, organising engaging events, and amplifying diverse academic voices.

With a background in architecture (bachelor’s), urban design (master’s), and planning, alongside experience in organising workshops, conducting fieldwork, and collaborating across international institutions; I am confident in my ability to contribute to the team and support the growth of this vibrant network.

Masters student, University College Cork

Hello!

My name is Laura Whelan, and I am excited to apply for a position on the 2025–2027 AESOP Young Academics Network Coordination Team. As a Master’s student at University College Cork (UCC) studying planning and sustainable development, I am deeply passionate about planning and urban design, especially in a European context as I first became interested in planning through my travels interailing around Europe.

My masters has given me theoretical insights and practical approaches to creating sustainable environments. A perspective I am eager to share with peers from across Europe.

Over the years, I have volunteered across a range of student societies and community initiatives. These experiences have honed my organisational, leadership, and collaborative skills, all of which I believe are needed for a successful continental-level team. I am excited by the opportunity to learn from others and contribute to ideas that bridge academic research and real-world planning practice.

I am confident that my academic background, volunteer experiences, and genuine enthusiasm will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the AESOP network.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to work with a team that is as committed to advancing planning research and practice as I am.

PhD Candidate, Politecnico di Milano, Department of Architecture and Urban Studies 

As a PhD candidate at Politecnico di Milano and guest researcher at TU Delft with previous experiences in Politecnico di Torino, Middle East Technical University, and the University of Kassel, my academic path has consistently crossed borders—geographically and intellectually. I’m applying to the YA Coordination Team to strengthen inter-university collaboration and foster critical interdisciplinary dialogue among early-career researchers. With experience co-curating exhibitions, studio-based teaching, and contributing to international research projects, I bring strong organizational skills and a collaborative mindset. I believe we operate within an academic landscape where many face similar challenges and opportunities—sailing in the same vessel, though navigating through different waters. Thus, I see YA as a space to build bridges—not just between scholars but between ideas—and I’m excited to help shape that.

PhD student, Research Assistant, Izmir Institute of Technology

I believe planning is not only about space—it is about power, justice, and the right to imagine and build alternative futures. As a young academic rooted in critical planning and environmental justice, I see the AESOP Young Academics Network as a vital arena where emerging scholars can come together to challenge dominant paradigms, support each other’s struggles, and create knowledge that resists and reimagines.

As someone who constantly seeks spaces where academic curiosity meets collective imagination, I believe the YA Network is one of the rare platforms where early-career researchers are not only heard but also empowered. That’s exactly why I’m excited to join the Coordination Team: to help create spaces where emerging scholars can collaborate across borders, challenge mainstream narratives, and co-produce knowledge that matters.

My academic work explores the intersections of environmental justice, rural transformations, and the role of creative and activist communities in shaping alternative futures. These themes have taught me that academia does not—and should not—exist in isolation. As a young scholar from Turkey, I believe that young academics must not only share knowledge but also organize for change—especially in times of deep ecological and social crises.

My motivation to become a member of the YA Coordination Team stems from my strong commitment to building inclusive, collaborative, and critical spaces within planning academia. Being part of AESOP YA activities has inspired me to engage more actively with this dynamic network. I am particularly interested in supporting initiatives that bridge theory and practice, highlight underrepresented voices, and explore new methodologies in planning research.

PhD Candidate at Aalto University, Teaching Assistant at Middle East Technical University

Hi everyone! This is H. Eren Efeoglu. I'm currently doing my PhD at Aalto University (Finland) and working as a research assistant at METU (Türkiye). I believe that we grow stronger together by sharing ideas, supporting each other, and building real connections. That’s why I’m excited to join the AESOP YA Coordination Team.

Throughout my early academic journey across different countries, I’ve had the chance to organize and attend international conferences, workshops, and summer schools. Beyond the academic knowledge, what stayed with me most was the importance of getting to know one another and exchanging our common challenges, and different perspectives. These moments of connection often leave a deeper mark than any lecture.

I’d love to help create more spaces where we, as young scholars, can meet, collaborate, and grow together whether through academic events or simply honest conversations.

As a candidate for the coordination team, I kindly ask for your support - let’s strengthen this already vibrant and inspiring network, and keep building a more connected, inclusive, and supportive space for all of us!