We are excited to announce that the 2025 AESOP PhD Workshop has officially begun at Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Türkiye. From 2 to 5 July 2025, doctoral researchers from across Europe and beyond have gathered to take part in this inspiring event, held just days before the AESOP Annual Congress.
This year’s workshop theme—“Planning for Equitable and Just Futures: Exploring Transformative Approaches”—invites participants to critically engage with the role of planning in addressing the multiple and interconnected crises of our time, including climate change, social inequality, and urbanization pressures. The workshop builds on the broader theme of the upcoming AESOP Annual Congress: “Planning as Transformative Action in an Age of Planetary Crises.”
Set against the dynamic and culturally rich backdrop of Istanbul, the PhD Workshop offers a unique opportunity for emerging scholars to present and discuss their research in an open and supportive environment. Participants will engage in peer discussions, receive feedback from senior academics, and explore how planning theory and practice can contribute to more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable futures.
The choice of Istanbul—a city that bridges Europe and Asia and embodies diverse urban challenges and opportunities—provides an exceptional context for reflection and learning. Over the next days, doctoral students will take part in plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and site visits, all aimed at fostering academic exchange and building lasting research networks.
Zeynep Enlil - Chair of the Local Organising Committee
Qing Yuan Guo - YA Chair
