In cooperation with the Regional Studies Association (RSA) the ARL - Academy for Territorial Development in the Leibniz Association invites applications for the ARL International Summer School 2026, on “New perspectives on Urban Infrastructures.” The Summer School will take place from 8 to 10 July 2026 at the University of Amsterdam.
Urban and regional studies have experienced an infrastructural turn, broadening the understanding of infrastructure beyond technical artefacts such as pipes, cables or roads. Increasingly, infrastructures are conceptualised as socio-political, ecological and relational arrangements, encompassing nature, digital systems, labour and care practices. These developments raise new conceptual and methodological challenges for research.
The Summer School provides an international platform to explore and critically discuss these emerging perspectives on urban infrastructures. It is aimed at PhD candidates working in human geography, urban and regional planning, or related social science disciplines. Applications are welcome from researchers conducting empirical work in both the Global North and the Global South.
Contributions may address, among others, the following themes:
- multiple temporalities and rhythms of infrastructure configurations,
- the politics and governance of infrastructuring, and
- co-creating alternative infrastructural systems and futures.
Participants will present their research and receive individual feedback from an international group of academic mentors. The programme will be complemented by a keynote lecture, a field trip and social activities.
The ARL covers travel and accommodation costs for all participants. No participation fee will be charged.
Application deadline: 15 February 2026
Further details on eligibility, submission guidelines and the programme can be found in the call for applications, here: ARL International Summer School 2026 on Urban Infrastructures | ARL-International
