The Association of European Schools of Planning Young Academics Network (AESOP YAN) invites applications to participate in a roundtable at the 2026 World Planning Schools Congress (29 June–3 July 2026, Helsinki).
ROUNDTABLE THEME
Planning scholars worldwide confront shared challenges like housing crises, economic development pressures, and climate change that manifest differently across institutional and local contexts. These variations create rich opportunities for mutual learning and collective problem-solving through dialogue. Yet inquiry flourishes when scholars can organize democratically to work on common problems together, developing shared methods and vocabularies through practice itself.
Young planning academics across regions have been creating innovative forms of democratic self-organization for such work. These initiatives, whether well-established or emerging, offer valuable insights about what enables meaningful participation and strengthens collective capacity. However, these regional efforts remain largely disconnected, limiting their potential to forge broader communities of inquiry.
This roundtable brings together young academics leading or participating in regional self-organization initiatives alongside senior scholars experienced in supporting such efforts. By examining organizational experiences across regions represented by the 11 GPEAN member associations, we seek to identify successful strategies and develop cross-regional alliances.
WHO WE'RE INVITING
- Early-career planning scholars with leadership or organizing experience in young academics' self-organization from regions represented by the 11 Global Planning Education Association Network (GPEAN) member associations
- Senior academics with a strong track record of supporting young scholar initiatives and self-organization
If you're unsure which association represents your region, early-career scholars from across the world are warmly welcome to apply.
WHAT WE'RE EXPLORING
- How democratic structures emerge in different regional contexts
- What sustains meaningful participation in young academics' networks
- How regional initiatives can connect productively across borders
- Building a cosmopolitan community of inquiry in planning education
KEY DETAILS
- Up to 8 panelists will be selected
- Deadline for submissions: 5 November 2025 (23:00 CET)
- Notifications: 5–10 November 2025
- Limited bursaries available (priority for Global South/high travel barriers)
ELIGIBILITY
Early-career scholars: PhD candidates, postdocs, lecturers/assistant professors (≈ up to 8 years post-PhD). Flexibility applies where regional contexts differ.
Senior academics with demonstrated commitment to supporting young scholar self-organization.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
- Clarity and relevance of contribution (practical organizing insights)
- Demonstrated engagement/leadership in regional networks (or clear pathway)
- Commitment to sustained collaboration after the Congress
- Diversity across region, gender, and scholarly traditions
HOW TO SUBMIT
Please submit by 5 November 2025 via: https://forms.gle/pQcEkFCuuCMbC8jVA
Required materials:
- Statement (250-500 words): Your contribution to the discussion (focus on organizing experience/needs/ideas)
- Short bio (50–80 words) + affiliation & region
- CV (1–2 pages)
- If applying for funding: clearly state this and explain difficulties in accessing alternative funding
NOTE: By submitting, you confirm your definite commitment to join the roundtable and make it a top priority during the Congress.
We encourage all respondents (including those not selected as panelists) to attend the roundtable session and join the Young Academics Assembly and Young Academics Social events during WPSC.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact:
