Call for papers

UniverCities 2026 Conference
University–City Relations and Collaboration
29-30 September 2026, University of Helsinki
Conference Theme

Universities are interconnected in many ways with the cities where they are located. Universities often shape urban development, social structures, economic competitiveness, and sustainability transitions. Meanwhile, cities provide the spatial, political, and societal context for the universities. It is also becoming increasingly common that universities and cities actively build models and programs for long-term strategic collaboration. UniverCities 2026 invites researchers, policymakers, university administrators, urban planners, and innovation practitioners to discuss the changing relationship between universities and cities and to examine how collaborative models can help solve problems that our cities are facing.

UniverCities 2026 seeks interdisciplinary contributions from urban studies, geography, planning, public policy, sociology, economics, innovation studies, higher education research, and related fields. We welcome theoretical, empirical, and practice-oriented papers and presentations.
Thematic Panels
1. Tackling Urban Challenges Together

Cities and universities share responsibility for confronting pressing urban challenges. This panel examines how collaborative approaches can promote inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban futures.

Possible subthemes include:

  • Segregation: The role of universities and/or research in shaping or mitigating socio-spatial inequalities; studentification; universities as agents of social cohesion.
  • Urban planning: Joint planning processes; campus–city integration; mobility, infrastructure, and land-use coordination; governance of university-driven urban development.
  • Campuses: Campuses as urban districts, innovation hubs, or living labs; spatial design advancing interaction between academic and local communities.
  • Housing: Student housing markets; affordability; university expansion and urban housing pressures; collaborative housing solutions.
  • Sustainability: Climate-neutral campuses; circular economy initiatives; green infrastructure; university–city partnerships for the green transition.
     
2. Creating Impactful City–University Partnership Models

Effective collaboration requires institutional design, governance mechanisms, and shared strategic vision. This panel focuses on models that move beyond singular project collaborations toward more lasting, strategic partnerships.

Possible subthemes include:

  • Knowledge-based decision-making: Integrating scientific evidence into municipal policies; facilitating trans-organizational knowledge exchange; boundary organizations and knowledge brokering.
  • Research with social impact: Aligning academic incentives with policy priorities and societal needs; transdisciplinary research; developing collaborative research agendas that address real-world urban challenges.
3. Driving Innovation and Economic Development

Universities and cities jointly anchor regional innovation ecosystems. This panel explores how collaboration can build entrepreneurship, commercialization, and global competitiveness, while addressing ethical and societal considerations.

Possible subthemes include:

  • Challenges and possibilities in commercialization of research: Technology transfer models; spin-offs and start-ups; public–private partnerships; intellectual property governance; barriers to impact.
  • Universities and city branding: Innovation districts; talent attraction; international positioning; the material and symbolic role of campuses in urban identity.
  • City–University collaboration on revolutionary technologies: Joint strategies for advancing and governing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology; regulatory and ethical dimensions; urban testbeds and pilot environments.
Submission Guidelines

Please submit your proposal with an abstract of approximately 200-300 words. We accept proposals showcasing both academic research and practice-based case presentations. Roundtable proposals are also welcome. 

Submissions should clearly indicate the relevant thematic panel and articulate their contribution to the broader discussion on university–city relations and collaboration. All submissions will undergo peer review.

Please submit your abstract by email to

Key Dates
  • Abstract submission deadline: 1 June 2026
  • Notification of acceptance: 18 June 2026
  • Conference dates: 29-30 September 2026