IHS Urban Research Day

Contemporary societies are characteristically urban. And yet, cities are morphologically and socially multiform − both within and across the Global North and South − and show the attributes of complex systems because of the infinite elements that, in interaction, generate urban life. Consequently, there is a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches that researchers adopt to study cities and to steer change (often in cooperation with local stakeholders) towards a better quality of life in the urban environment.

Current urban research and practice is notably transdisciplinary, participatory, comparative and (big) data-driven, often inscribed within the wider frameworks of decolonisation, sustainability and justice. Cities are examined through a broad range of lenses, including topics such as housing and social justice, land and water management, urban (digital) innovation, urban labour markets, and financialisation.

More about the event 

The first IHS Urban Research Day (URD) welcomes academic contributions in urban research that is globally relevant and impact-oriented and that can represent the pluralism of topics, approaches and methods to examine and understand the urban in contemporary societies.

In outlining a mosaic of topics, approaches and methods in urban research, we adopt an inclusive understanding of impact-driven research. We are particularly interested in contributions that explore novel conceptual and methodological approaches for academic inquiry on cities worldwide, and in analyses that offer good practices for policy research and evaluation in the urban in a diversity of contexts.

The event is organised as an onsite event (online/hybrid attendance might be possible). The selected contributions will be presented in parallel sessions. The event will end with a discussion panel on good practices about how to communicate and disseminate research findings effectively to a variety of audiences, from academics to policy makers and the general public.

Abstract submission

Please use this form to submit your abstracts. Abstracts should be between 300 - 1,000 words and should clearly include title, authors’ name and affiliation, and keywords. The abstract should make reference to a clear conceptual framework, describe methods and present (or outline, if early stage) the main findings. 

The target group of the Urban Research Day is both early career academics, as well as senior researchers. The contributions we expect to receive in this Call for Abstracts can be on-going or already published research, and they should provide key insights on globally relevant and impact-oriented urban research in contemporary societies.

Abstract selection and communication of acceptance

The submitted abstracts will be evaluated according to the following criteria: 

• appropriateness to the content of the Call for Abstract (urban research that is globally relevant and impact-oriented and that can represent the pluralism of topics, approaches and methods to examine and understand the urban in contemporary societies); 
• a good mix between academic and project-oriented impact-driven research; 
• a good mix between early career and senior/experience researchers; 
• availability to attend on site; 
• organisational capacity to host a limited number of participants onsite. 

Abstract acceptance will be communicated around 30th August 2025 and the authors of the selected abstracts will be asked to re-confirm their attendance. Further information on the presentations during the event will be communicated too. Although the presentation of selected abstracts can follow conventional formats, we encourage alternative ways of presenting the research, both to explore effective communication formats and also to make sessions more interactive.

Programme and practical information

Further information on the URD (i.e., venue & directions, final program and session allocation) will be communicated in due course. Coffee & tea breaks, as well as a light lunch, will be offered to the participants. 

Important deadlines 

• Deadline for abstract submission: 18th August 2025. 
• Communication of abstract acceptance: by 30th August 2025.
• Dissemination of the final program: by 15th September 2025