At the RSA, we are 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.
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Events
The Regional Studies Association (RSA) has a deep-seated commitment to furthering and supporting the career development of early career researchers (within 5 years after finishing their PhD). Part of this commitment is to offer the opportunity to present in a Plenary session at the RSA’s major Annual Conference. This year’s call deadline has now passed and the next call will be published towartds the end of 2026. For details, you can see the 2026 Call for Early Career Plenary Speaker at the 2026 RSA Annual Conference.
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.
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
Regions e-Zine
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 24: Regions as Connected Systems I – Regional Innovation Systems in Transition will run from February to the end of April 2026. The indicative submission deadline is the third week of April 2026.
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. The Regional Studies Association invites contributions to our blog that explore diverse understandings of regions and regional development worldwide. This open call welcomes submissions year-round from researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and scholars across all disciplines related to regional studies.
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
RSA Early Career Grant Scheme
This scheme supports early career researchers (within five years of PhD) undertaking a discrete piece of regional studies and/or regional science research.
- Applicants must be RSA members based at eligible institutions
- Value: up to £11,000
- Expression of Interest deadline: 3rd March 2026
RSA Research Networks
RSA Research Networks are formed by RSA members interested in collaborating to examine an issue that responds to the objects of the Association, and which is of interest and concern to both members and non-members. These issues need not necessarily to have a direct policy focus, but the examination would typically lead to policy-related conclusions. A Research Network is made up of individuals from different countries, although they can be from any membership category.
Application deadline: 24th October
Policy Expo Grant Scheme
The Association seeks a leading and impactful role for its community, to inform and influence policy and practice in creative and ambitious ways, and support Expos in addressing issues that are important, current and having an impact on society. These Expos will investigate how the communities of regional studies, regional science, urban studies and related fields can respond to new societal challenges and opportunities. It requires that each team include a PhD student or an early-career researcher (less than 5 years from the date on their PhD certificate) and that the team be international (in at least 2 countries/territories).
2026 submission deadline: 24th November
RSA Awards
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.