Loughborough University’s Department of Geography has been selected to host the Academy for Spatial Research and Planning (ARL) international summer school in 2014.

Next year’s theme is Global Urban Networks and Loughborough has been chosen on the strength of its research and expertise within the internationally renowned Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Research Network. It is the first time the event has been hosted in the UK.

GaWC explores the roles of cities in a global economy and the networks they form. It is a leading international think tank on cities in globalisation and inter-city relations.

The Summer School will bring together distinguished academics and young researchers working in the field of global urban studies and will stimulate discussions, develop new insights and establish the need and nature of future research.

The event is being organised by GaWC associate directors Michael Hoyler and Dr John Harrison.

Michael Hoyler said:

“It’s a real honour to be asked to host the fourth annual ARL international summer school. This is a unique opportunity to bring together researchers from different countries to discuss our work, consider future collaborations and develop academic papers at the forefront of research into globalised urbanisation.”

The Loughborough event will run from 31 August to 3 September 2014 and is the fourth in a series of international summer schools initiated by the ARL and held in a different European country each year.

ARL is sponsoring places for six young academics at the summer school. The deadline for applications is 30 November 2013. For details of how to apply visit the ARL website.

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