2025 Student and Early Career Conference

Application deadline: Closed
Notification of acceptance: 8th July 2025
Deadline to register: 18th August 2025

The Regional Studies Association (RSA), Centre for Innovation Management Research (CIMR), and University of Westminster will host the 2025 Student & Early Career Conference on 9–10 September 2025 in London, UK.

Aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers (ECRs) in regional studies, regional science, urban and regional policy, economic geography, innovation, and related disciplines, the conference offers a welcoming environment for participants to present their research, receive constructive feedback, and develop professional skills for both academic and non-academic careers.

Conference Overview

The RSA Student & Early Career Conference provides a supportive and interactive platform where emerging scholars can:

• Showcase their research in parallel paper sessions and poster presentations.

• Engage in in-depth discussions with peers and receive targeted feedback from senior academics and journal editors.

• Develop professional skills through interactive workshops covering topics such as academic publishing, research funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and communicating research to policy and public audiences.

• Expand their networks by meeting like-minded researchers from across the globe, creating opportunities for collaboration and future career development.

The programme will feature academic sessions and professional development activities, alongside informal networking opportunities to foster connections in a relaxed setting.

What to Expect in 2025
Alongside research presentations, the conference will feature a dedicated afternoon of networking and skills development, offering practical advice from experienced academics and professional staff. These interactive sessions will cover:

• Pathways to Publication – Alex Holmes, RSA
  Insights on navigating the publishing process, selecting the right journals, and responding effectively to reviewers.

• Securing Research Funding – Professor Muthu De Silva, Birkbeck, University of London
  Strategies for identifying funding opportunities, crafting strong proposals, and improving your chances of success.

• Creating Research Impact – Professor Robin Jarvis, Brunel University London
  Practical guidance on maximising the reach and influence of your work within policy, practice, and public debates.

• Shaping Your Academic Career – Kiran Kandade and SinMun Chang, Brunel University Careers Office
  Advice on building a sustainable academic career, developing a professional profile, and navigating job applications.

The conference will close with a focused CV development session led by Kiran Kandade and SinMun Chang (Brunel & Westminster), offering personalised feedback and tips for improving your academic and professional CV.

Conference Registration Fees

Please note the non-member rates include a 1 year RSA membership, this will be applied as soon as you register. Click here to find out more about RSA membership.