Summer Institute in Urban Studies

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SIUS 2020 will now be a face-to-face event, 22 to 26 May 2023 at the University of Toronto and York University, Toronto. We will contact those students selected for SIUS”2020” before the end of 2022. We will then work down the reserve list. If needs be, we will then advertise the SIUS.

The Summer Institute in Urban Studies provides an opportunity to investigate leading-edge theoretical and methodological questions, along with a range of associated career development issues, in the field of urban studies.

Universities of York and Toronto logos.
SIUS 2020 will be held in Toronto.

After three Institutes in Manchester in 2014, 2015 and 2016 it moved to a biennial footing, held around the world in partnership, with SIUS 2018 taking place in Singapore in July 2018.

We tend to receive 100 to 125 applicants for each Summer Institute.

The Summer Institute features contributions from internationally renowned academics from across urban studies, from inside and outside of the host university. The Institute comprises an intensive, four-day programme of activities and is open to:

  • doctoral students (usually post-fieldwork);
  • postdoctoral researchers;
  • recently appointed faculty and lecturers (normally within three years of first continuing appointment).

Format

Source: Joe Daniels, 18 July 2018, #SIUS2018
Summer Institute in Urban Studies participants

The designing of programmes provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the innovatory developments and enduring controversies in urban studies.

Our programmes provide mentoring and support in the different aspects of the academic labour process:

  • applying for grants to designing courses;
  • editing books and special issues of journals;
  • key controversies and debates;
  • writing book proposals;
  • publishing in journals;
  • the challenges and opportunities of working at the academic / non-academic interface; and
  • the shifting boundaries of the field of “urban studies.

They consist of panels, lectures, reading groups and walking tours with participants involved in shaping the final programme.

Fees

The fee for the Institute covers the organisational costs and includes accommodation for four nights, a welcome reception, a walking tour, lunches, and an institute dinner. Participant fees are normally around £250-£300.

Scholarships

Our funders are usually able to offer us three scholarships to those attending from countries classified as B or C by the ISA. Scholarships cover the cost of travel and the Institute registration fee and are separate for each year.