DLGS Summer School
Overview
In 2026, the DLGS Summer School will take place on 22 September as part of the 4th IOER Conference, “Space & Transformation". The event aims to further explore the relations between digitalisation and transformative governance in research, policy and practice with a view to the diverse urban and regional sustainability innovations urgently required.
Format of the DLGS Summer School
PhD reflexive presentations: Each PhD candidate receives a 15-minute slot to provide a concise insight into their work. To enhance the benefit of the feedback, presenters are encouraged to include self-reflective questions in their talk. Up to three PhD candidates will be grouped into 90-minute sessions and receive comments from senior researchers and international experts in attendance.
Training workshop: Prof. Sarah Giest (Leiden University) will lead a graduate training workshop under the heading “From Research to Policy: Navigating Collaboration in Practice.” The interactive session will explore how academics can establish and sustain productive relationships with government stakeholders. While collaboration with public authorities is increasingly encouraged, it often involves navigating substantial differences in institutional cultures, timelines, and incentives. Drawing on experiences from collaborations with local, regional, and national governments, the session will discuss practical strategies for managing expectations around funding, timing, and outputs, and for building trust over time.
Informal networking and discussions
The DLGS Summer School is dedicated to the discussion of current PhD research, peer networking, and the training of skills relevant to the conference topic. PhD candidates at any stage and from any discipline are invited to present their work in progress.
Call for Contributions: due 26 April
When applying for the DLGS Summer School, PhD candidates should select the format “Reflexive Presentation” in the online form. In addition, they may also submit contributions to the IOER Conference. However, these must be submitted separately and in up to two different conference formats (F1–F5).
