About the Network
The RSA PhD & Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network supports students and early career scholars working in regional studies and related fields. The network aims to foster professional development, collaboration, and visibility for emerging researchers across the global RSA community.
It offers opportunities for networking, mentoring, training, and knowledge exchange through events, webinars, and dedicated conference activities. Members can access funding schemes, publishing opportunities, and research networks, as well as connect with peers and established scholars working across academia, policy, and practice. Have a look at the membership pages for Students and Early Career Researchers to find out about the opportunities.
Announcements & Updates
This space will be used to share updates about PhD and ECR activities, including upcoming events, conference sessions, networking opportunities, and any new communication channels for the community.
More information will be added here as the Network develops its programme of activities.
The RSA Student and Early Career Network
RSA26 Student and ECR meet up 
RSA26 Early Career Plenary Speaker 
2025 Student and Early Career Conference 
2025 Summer College PhD & ECR Representatives
The PhD and ECR Representatives sit on the RSA Board and represent the interests of early-stage researchers within the Association. They organise RSA activities, support initiatives for PhD and ECR members, and ensure that early career perspectives are reflected across the RSA’s policy, events, and opportunities.
PhD Representative
Wander Demuynck is a PhD researcher in regional and urban studies at KU Leuven and Utrecht University. His research focuses on peri-urban “interplaces” and uneven processes of metropolisation across metropolitan regions. He represents PhD researchers on the RSA Board and contributes to shaping support, activities, and opportunities for doctoral members
Early Career Representative
Kerstin Schaefer is Assistant Professor in Economic Geography at Utrecht University and a research project leader at Leibniz University Hanover. Her work focuses on innovation, standardisation, and new mobility technologies, with attention to global industry standards, emerging-region firms, and the social implications of digitalised transport systems. She represents Early Career Researchers on the RSA Board and also supports the RSA Women’s Network.