The AESOP Young Academics (YA) Network is pleased to invite applications for Track Co-Chairs for the AESOP Annual Congress, which will take place 19–23 July 2027 at the University of Birmingham (UK).
Under the theme "From Grey to Green: Planning and the De-Carbonisation of the City," the Congress will bring together scholars and practitioners to discuss how planning can contribute to climate action, sustainable urban development, and just transitions towards low-carbon futures.
As in previous years, the AESOP Young Academics Network is seeking enthusiastic early career researchers to join the Congress organisation by serving as Track Co-Chairs alongside the senior Track Chairs. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in conference organisation, contribute to the academic review process, and become actively involved in one of Europe's leading planning conferences.
Why become a Track Co-Chair?
As a Track Co-Chair, you will:
- collaborate closely with the senior Track Chairs throughout the Congress preparation;
- review and evaluate submitted abstracts;
- support the Best Paper evaluation process;
- chair and moderate conference sessions;
- engage with an international community of planning scholars and practitioners;
- expand your academic and professional network.
Responsibilities
Track Co-Chairs are expected to:
- actively participate in the abstract review process;
- assist in selecting papers for the Best Congress Paper Award;
- moderate assigned conference sessions;
- proactively support the senior Track Chairs before and during the Congress;
- attend the Congress in person.
Please apply only if you are confident that you can fulfil these responsibilities throughout the preparation period and during the Congress.
Tracks
Applications are invited for the following 17 thematic tracks:
- Planning and Law
- Mobility
- Property Markets and Actors
- Placemaking and (Urban) Design
- Public Space, Urban Culture and Lived Heritage
- Planning Education
- Technologies and Methods
- Governance
- Theories
- Rural Planning
- Housing and Health
- Risk-Resilient Planning
- Environment and Climate
- Inclusion
- Economics
- Complexity and Future Transitions
- Ethics and Justice
Who can apply?
The call is primarily intended for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and other early career academics whose research aligns with one or more of the Congress tracks.
Application
Please complete the application form and upload:
- a motivation statement (maximum 1,500 characters);
- a short academic CV (PDF);
- your preferred track(s).
Application form:
Application deadline: September 1, 2026 [there will be no extension]
Please note that the position of Track Co-Chair is voluntary. Selected applicants are expected to register for the Congress and cover their own registration, travel, and accommodation costs.
For further information about the Congress, including the theme and track descriptions, please visit the official AESOP Congress 2027 Birmingham website.
