2026 - 2028 AESOP Young Academics Network Coordination Team Elections

My motivation to join the AESOP Young Academics Network Coordination Team stems from a desire to actively contribute to reshaping the role of urban planning in addressing today’s complex social and environmental challenges.

As the 2025 Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellow at the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS), I researched redefining business as an entity that solves social issues and creates social value in a financially sustainable way. I approached this work through the lens of environmental psychology and urban planning, examining how economic logics act as “invisible environmental designers” that shape our cities, behaviors, and collective well-being (paper links available at the bottom).

Becoming a YA CT member would allow me to build on this work by engaging with a diverse community of young academics who are equally committed to rethinking planning beyond conventional paradigms. I see this role as an opportunity to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, bridge research and practice, and support the development of more human-centered, regenerative approaches to urban environments.

At the same time, I aim to contribute to the network by creating spaces for reflection and exchange, drawing on my experience with participatory workshops, citywalks, and experimental learning environments developed through Tianmei World Academy. I am particularly interested in exploring how planning education and practice can integrate psychological, cultural, and systemic dimensions to better respond to the needs of diverse communities.

Ultimately, I see the YA CT not only as a platform for professional development, but as a collective space where emerging scholars can co-create new narratives and tools for a more inclusive, compassionate, and regenerative urban future.

To know more about some of my work, welcome to read what harm the current chase for profit and growth causes to many areas of our lives (https://lnkd.in/dvSJMSqm), why it's important to change the definition of business and what that actually means (https://lnkd.in/dBaTjTB6), and what is the underlying condition for this redefinition to become the status-quo rather than the exception (https://lnkd.in/dmirUVub)

Urban and Regional Planner | Researcher in Climate Resilience, Urban Physics & Circular Economy | Vice Chairperson – Climate Solution International Global Advisory Board | YOUNGO (UNFCCC & UNEP) Member, AMRUT Centre - Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur

I seek to contribute to the AESOP Young Academics Network as a Coordination Team member with a strong commitment to advancing inclusive, climate-responsive, and interdisciplinary planning research. My academic and professional trajectory lies at the intersection of urban resilience, circular economy transitions, and emerging urban physics frameworks, with a focus on Global South contexts.

As a researcher and active contributor to international platforms, including YOUNGO under the UNFCCC and UNEP, and as Vice Chairperson at the Climate Solution International Global Advisory Board, I bring experience in collaborative governance, youth-led advocacy, and transnational knowledge exchange. My work emphasizes bridging research and implementation, translating data-driven insights into actionable planning strategies that address urban inequality, climate vulnerability, and resource efficiency.

Within AESOP YA, I aim to strengthen global academic collaboration by fostering platforms that connect early-career researchers across geographies, particularly amplifying underrepresented voices from developing regions. I am particularly interested in co-developing thematic research clusters, interdisciplinary workshops, and policy-engaged dialogues that align with emerging challenges such as urban heat dynamics, energy transitions, and socially equitable planning systems.

I envision AESOP YA as not only a network, but a dynamic knowledge ecosystem that empowers young academics to co-create impactful research, influence planning discourse, and shape future urban agendas. Through this role, I am committed to contributing actively, consistently, and strategically to the network’s growth and global relevance.

PhD Candidate, Architect, Lecturer, and Researcher, Interior Architecture and Design, Coventry University (TKH), Cairo, Egypt; PhD Candidate, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Spain

I am a PhD candidate, architect, lecturer, and researcher working at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, heritage, and cinematic narratives. My work focuses on how cities are perceived, represented, and experienced, particularly through visual culture, and how these layers contribute to urban identity and memory.

I would be very glad to join the AESOP Young Academics Coordination Team, as I see the network as a meaningful platform for exchange, dialogue, and support among early-career researchers. My experience within academic environments has shown me the importance of such communities in shaping both intellectual growth and a sense of belonging.

Being based in Cairo, Egypt, I also see this as an opportunity to contribute to broadening the network’s reach and engagement. I believe that bringing perspectives from different geographical and cultural contexts can enrich the YA community, while also allowing a wider audience to benefit from its initiatives and conversations.

Through my roles in teaching and research, I have developed a strong interest in collaboration, interdisciplinary thinking, and creating spaces where ideas can be shared openly. I would be happy to contribute to initiatives that strengthen connections between young academics, encourage diverse perspectives, and enhance the visibility of emerging research voices.

For me, this role is not only about participation, but about contributing with care, consistency, and commitment to a community that values both critical thinking and collective growth.

Master's in Urban Planning, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi

I want to be a YA CT member because I genuinely care about creating meaningful change, not just talking about it. My background in architecture, sustainability, and interdisciplinary research has shaped how I see the world, as a system where design, people, and environment are deeply connected. Being part of this platform would allow me to contribute my ideas, learn from diverse perspectives, and collaborate on solutions that are both practical and impactful. For me, it’s about growing together while working towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.

PhD, No Affiliation

My motivation to join the AESOP Young Academics Network Coordination Team comes from a strong interest in strengthening connections among planning scholars. I see a clear need for more structured opportunities to gather planners from Balkan countries such as Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and connect them with the broader international AESOP community through events, workshops and collaborative initiatives.

As a PhD in urbanism and a sustainability consultant with a focus on climate-sensitive urban design and microclimatic processes in built environments, I bring both academic and professional experience. My previous role as a research assistant included organizing workshops and summer schools for graduate students. These experiences have strengthened my ability to facilitate collaborative environments and academic exchange.

Through this role, I aim contributing to the organization of engaging events, support knowledge sharing and create stronger connections between planners across regions, while also advancing discussions on climate-responsive planning and sustainable urban development.

PhD Candidate, Research Associate, Professorship for Urban Design, School for Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich

I am honored to present myself as a candidate for the AESOP YA Network Coordination Team. My name is Mareike Schmidt. I am an architect and research associate at the Professorship for Urban Design at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD, investigating the processes and impacts of urban living labs as well as the discourse surrounding urban mobility transitions. I had the privilege of attending the YA AESOP Conference at Politecnico Milano in 2024 and of experiencing this environment for exchange among young scholars. Engaging with my colleagues at the conference was truly inspiring and reinforced my passion for international exchange—a passion that began in my childhood when my family hosted guest students.
In light of the increasing geopolitical conflicts, growing threats to democratic societies, and the challenges posed by the climate crisis, I believe that it is more crucial than ever to create and strengthen connections among planning scholars committed to sustainable urban transitions. While my remarks may appear somewhat polemical, they reflect my deep conviction about the value of this network. As a member of the coordination team, I aim to enhance the network and support young scholars in engaging with the various opportunities offered by the AESOP YA Network.

PhD Researcher, Ulster University

My motivation for applying to the AESOP Young Academics (YA) Coordination Team comes from the role of the network in influencing the future of planning academia.

I believe there is potential to further the reach of AESOP YA to engage broader audiences of planning academics across Europe. Contributing to this undertaking would involve not only supporting existing initiatives, but also assisting with promoting the visibility of the network.

I am equally motivated by the collaborative aspect of this role, working alongside other researchers in different geographic and institutional contexts to cultivate relationships and contribute to the effort of advancing both individual and collective research.

I envision this as an opportunity to contribute to the network, while assisting in its continued role to support the next generation of planning scholars.

PhD student, DINÂMIA'CET-Iscte - Centre for Socioeconomic and Territorial Studies, ISCTE-IUL Lisbon, Lisbon Portugal

I am a PhD candidate and an early-career researcher, but I have already had the opportunity to gain experience in an area that greatly interests me: networking activities, international experience, and the communication and dissemination of research.

Throughout my academic career, from my Master’s degree to my PhD, travel and networking activities have consistently played a central role.
I studied architecture across Italy, Hungary, and Portugal, and I am currently conducting research between Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Italy (through a co-tutelle arrangement and visiting periods). I have also actively participated in conferences and workshops in Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Greece, and Romania.

Thanks to both my research interests and my strong engagement with networking and research communication, I was part of the proposer team and I now serve as a member of the Management Committee and as the Leader of a Working Group dedicated to communication and dissemination within CA24134 – Observatory of Innovative Strategies for Repurposing Terrain Vague (OBSERVISTA).

Through these experiences, I have also developed a strong interest in university teaching and in the transmission of research across Europe, and I am keen to contribute to its improvement.

My research focuses on urban vacant land, urban ecology, the history of architecture and cities, as well as cartography, video, and photography. More broadly, I maintain a wide ranging interest in many aspects related to urbanism and architecture.

PhD, Eng Arch, doctor of Sorbonne University, Assistant Professor, Sorbonne University & Warsaw University of Life Sciences

I am an architect, urban planner, and international researcher in public planning policies with a Ph.D. in French-Polish comparative urban planning. I conducted research in Paris (Sorbonne Université) and Warsaw (Warsaw University of Technology) on mixed-use districts and innovative urban management practices. I am an academic teacher, a practicing designer, a member of a research laboratory at Sorbonne University, and I currently research and teach in Warsaw.
Currently, I serve as a Young Academics AESOP Ambassador for Western Europe and a member of the AESOP Thematic Group: Public Spaces and Urban Cultures. I "grew up" scientifically within AESOP, starting with the PhD Workshop in Aveiro, Portugal, in 2017. At that time, several institutions I was affiliated with were united within this international framework, bridging different study profiles and countries. Since then, including the period when my supervisor from Paris served as AESOP President, I have been participating actively in AESOP Congresses, which I highly value as an excellent platform for knowledge exchange.
I am motivated, consistent, and eager to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects. Being creative by nature, I enjoy coordinating groups (including student research circles) and managing collective projects. I find AESOP to be a unique opportunity for members and affiliates to work together, expanding local knowledge and practice. As the Young Academics branch of the Association of European Schools of Planning allows rising academics to find their path and broaden their horizons, I would like to be part of this journey and contribute from my professional perspective to the common good in planning and Academia. I believe that international collaboration makes our world a better and more peaceful place.

Msc, No Affiliation 

Academic Education is my main interest among my scholarly pursuits and convictions

MSCA PhD Student, Izmir Institute of Technology

I come from a place where climate change is already visible in everyday life. In Izmir, water scarcity and extreme conditions are not distant scenarios, but ongoing realities.

This experience shaped my academic path and my main question: why is there still a gap between knowledge and implementation?

Through my work on nature-based solutions and urban water systems, I aim to bridge this gap — not only through research, but through collaboration.

My motivation to contribute actively is not new. During my undergraduate studies, I founded and led the “Ecomotion” student club, driven by the belief that students should have a voice in shaping a more environmentally responsible campus. This experience strengthened my commitment to participatory approaches and collective action.

Later, my studies at Politecnico di Milano provided me with an international academic environment where I engaged with diverse perspectives and approaches to planning and design. This experience made me realize that diversity is not only enriching, but essential for making more informed, inclusive, and resilient decisions.

Coming from the Mediterranean context, where water stress and climate vulnerability are increasingly pressing, I believe these perspectives are often underrepresented in global discussions. I see this not as a limitation, but as a responsibility — to bring these realities into broader academic and professional dialogues.

For this reason, I see AESOP YAN as more than a network. It is a space where different perspectives come together to challenge assumptions, learn from each other, and co-create stronger responses to complex urban challenges.

I am highly motivated to take an active role in strengthening this community — by initiating and supporting events, fostering collaboration across different contexts, and contributing to a more connected and engaged network of young academics.

I want to be part of this collective effort not only as a participant, but as someone who takes initiative, builds connections, and helps shape the direction of the network.