SWANA Urban Political Research Network Spring Institute Program

The SWANA Urban Political Research Network is inviting doctoral and early career researchers to participate in its second Spring Institute, scheduled from 7-11 June 2027 in Beirut. Hosted by the Beirut Urban Lab at the American University of Beirut, this initiative is supported by the Open Society Foundations. The deadline for application submission is 30 November 2026. The Spring Institute aims to advance the understanding of urban political dynamics in the SWANA region by engaging participants with theoretical, empirical, and epistemological frameworks. It covers topics such as urban theory, politics of place, and socio-technical infrastructure, encouraging critical discussions and intellectual exchanges among scholars. Participants will receive full financial support for travel, accommodation, and meals during the Institute. This ensures that researchers can focus entirely on their educational and networking experiences without financial burden. Eligible participants include those who are:

The Institute supports research in:

This initiative provides a unique platform for emerging scholars to engage deeply with the critical issues affecting urbanism in the SWANA region. It fosters a collaborative environment for sharing research, developing new ideas, and building a network of scholars dedicated to urban political studies. Who can apply for the Spring Institute? Doctoral candidates and early career researchers from the SWANA region focusing on urban politics are eligible. What costs are covered for participants? Travel, accommodation, and meals are fully covered. When is the application deadline? Applications must be submitted by 30 November 2026. What are the key focus areas of the Institute? The Institute focuses on urban theory, politics of place, and socio-technical infrastructure in the SWANA region. How will participants be selected? Selection involves an application review and an online interview for shortlisted candidates. Interested candidates should review the official guidelines and ensure their application materials are submitted by the deadline. This is a valuable opportunity to advance your research in urban political studies and connect with like-minded scholars.