The Regional Studies Association (RSA) is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scholars and professionals. We offer a wide range of support for students and early career researchers through:
- Career development training and events
- Research and knowledge exchange opportunities
- Webinars and publications
- Achievement awards and funding
- Networking and mentoring initiatives
Explore some of the many ways we support you below.
Stay Connected
Sign up for our monthly e-Bulletin to receive the latest RSA news, events, funding opportunities, and more.
Publishing Opportunities
Early Careers Papers Section: Regional Studies Regional Science
The editors seek submissions from PhD students and early career researchers (within five years of PhD completion) for articles in the RSRS Early Career Papers section.
- All disciplines and geographic focuses welcome
- Selected authors receive mentorship with the RSA covering article processing charges
- Submission deadlines: 31 March & 30 September
Our open-access digital magazine features research and commentary from RSA members around the world. Published three times a year (March, September, December), this is a great platform to showcase your work. The current call is open for Issue 22: AI, Digitalization, and the Next Frontier of Regional Development (deadline 25th August).
Interested in contributing? Email us at office@regionalstudies.org with the subject ‘Regions eZine’.
The RSA Blog has been running since 2010, providing an online platform for the RSA community that explores diverse understandings of regions and regional development worldwide. The blog editor has an open call and welcomes submissions year-round from researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and scholars across all disciplines related to regional studies.
Interested in writing a blog? Guidelines for writing a blog can be found here and you can contact the editor at at RSABlog@regionalstudies.org.
Taylor & Francis Author Services
Taylor & Francis Author Services is a dedicated website offering support and guidance for every step of the research publishing journey, from researching potential journals for publication, through to drafting an article and the reviewing process. Visit their website for more details.
Events, Training & Knowledge Exchange
Upcoming RSA Conferences
2025 RSA Student and Early Career Conference
University of Westminster, UK, 09 – 10 Sept 2025
2025 RSA Regional Futures Conference
London, UK, 13 – 14 Nov 2025
Regions as Arenas in a Changing World
Gothenburg, Sweden, 15 -18 June 2026
Includes an Early Career Plenary Speaker Competition (to be announced)
Webinar Series
Free and open to all, no RSA membership required for joining live. On-demand recordings are only available to RSA members.
YSI-RSA Webinar Series 2025: Regional Inequalities and Perceived Left-Behindness
Professional Development Webinar Series
Regions Cities Industry Webinar Series
Funding & Awards
- Support for early career researchers (within five years of PhD) conducting regional studies or science research.
- Must be based at an eligible institution and an RSA member
- Value: up to £10,000
- Application deadline (Expression of Interest): Spring 2026
We recognise excellence in regional research across three categories:
- 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
- Join our International Communities – our divisions, country sections and UK Sub-national branches & sections
- Connect via Women’s Early Career and Mid Career Researchers Network
- Get involved in our Student and Early Career Facebook group
- Download the RSA App: Search “RSA Hub” 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 something to post? 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’re happy to chat. Get in touch.