At the RSA, we’re committed to supporting the next generation of scholars and practitioners shaping the future of regional studies. Whether you’re a student, PhD candidate, or early career researcher, the RSA offers a wealth of opportunities to help you grow, connect, and thrive.
Our programmes and initiatives are designed to build your skills, expand your networks, and open new pathways for collaboration and career development. Support includes:
- Career development training and events
- Research and knowledge exchange opportunities
- Webinars and publications
- Achievement awards and funding
- Networking building initiatives
Explore some of the many ways the RSA can help you advance your academic and professional journey below.
Stay Connected
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Events
2025 RSA Regional Futures Conference
London, UK, 13 – 14 Nov 2025
Join us in London for two days of forward-thinking discussion, collaboration, and inspiration on the future of regional development.
Call for Early Career Plenary Speaker – 2026 RSA Annual Conference
Gothenburg, Sweden, 15 -18 June 2026
Apply by 30 January 2026
This is an exceptional opportunity for an early career researcher (within 5 years of PhD completion) to deliver a plenary presentation at one of the field’s leading international conferences under the theme “Regions as Arenas in a Changing World: Rethinking Spatial Theories.
Read the full call here.
Publishing Opportunities
Early Careers Papers Section: Regional Studies Regional Science
We invite PhD students and early career researchers (within five years of PhD completion) to submit to our RSRS Early Career Papers section.
- Open to all disciplines and geographic focuses
- Selected authors receive mentorship and article processing charge (APC) coverage from the RSA
- Next submission deadline: 31 March 2026
Our open-access Regions e-Zine features cutting-edge research and commentary from around the world, published three times a year (March, September, December).
Current Call: Issue 23 – Building Resilient and Sustainable Regional Economies: The Role of Place-Based Strategies
Deadline: 8 December 2025
Interested in contributing? Email office@regionalstudies.org with the subject ‘Regions eZine’.
The RSA Blog
Since 2010, the RSA Blog has been a space for sharing new ideas and perspectives on regions and regional development. The editor welcomes submissions year-round from researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and scholars.
Interested in writing? Guidelines for writing a blog can be found here or email RSABlog@regionalstudies.org to discuss your idea.
Taylor & Francis Author Services
Looking for help publishing your work? Visit Taylor & Francis Author Services for expert advice and step-by-step guidance — from choosing the right journal to navigating peer review.
Funding & Awards
This scheme supports early career researchers (within five years of PhD) undertaking regional studies or science research.
- Applicants must be RSA members based at eligible institutions
- Value: up to £10,000
- Expression of Interest deadline: 3rd March 2026
Each year, we celebrate excellence in regional research through three awards:
Nathaniel Lichfield Award – recent Master’s graduates
Paul Benneworth PhD Award – current PhD students
Routledge Early Career Award – within five years of PhD
Each award includes £500 and a certificate.
Deadline: 15 May 2026
Networking
Connect with a global community of scholars and professionals through our vibrant RSA networks:
- International Communities – our divisions, country sections and UK sub-national branches
- RSA Women’s Network
- Student and Early Career Facebook group
- RSA Hub app available in your app store
- Follow us on LinkedIn, BlueSky and Facebook
Other Opportunities
Find the latest jobs, scholarships, postgraduate programs, and more on our Opportunities pages. Have an opportunity to share? Email Alex with details
Ready to Learn More?Discover the full range of membership benefits available to students and early career researchers.
Questions or interested in joining? We’d love to hear from you – get in touch.