"Thanks to the summer institute got to know a bunch of fantastic young economic geographers from around the world, several of whom I'm still in touch with today. Since the summer institute I feel part of the economic geography research community—much more than before. It greatly broadened and deepened my understanding of economic geography. I wouldn't want to have missed it."

Karin Schwiter, PhD, research group leader, Department or Geography, University of Zurich, Switzerland


“I already knew that economic geography is a heterodox and highly diverse field before attending the Summer Institute. But these six days of intense input and exchange helped me to make some sense of this diversity, to feel better equipped for navigating it, and to see my own position within it more clearly. For me, this was a unique opportunity for engaging with scholars and students from a variety of backgrounds beyond the often rather hectic conference gatherings, and to learn and benefit from their rich and diverse experiences.”

Alexander Vorbrugg, doctoral researcher, Department of Human Geography, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany


“Being part of the Summer Institute in Economic Geography in Zurich gave me a sense of belonging to a community of economic geographers, a better understanding of how my work fits into the discipline and confidence in knowing how to contribute to the field with my work. I have kept in touch with many of the people I met and have co-organised several sessions at international conferences since with several people, and we still do support each other. The opportunity to spend a whole week with an international group of people was priceless in establishing a mutual appreciation of our work and the building blocks of life long relationships. Please keep organising it!”

Ralitsa Hiteva, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Science Policy Research Unit and Sussex Energy Group, University of Sussex, UK


“An extraordinary example of how an academic meeting with mutual learning should look like. The Summer Institute is the number 1 meeting for young scholars in economic geography. The most inclusive atmosphere and the most innovative programme I have ever seen in a scientific workshop. The Summer Institute was a very important stepping stone in finding my intellectual home in economic geography.”

Márton Czirfusz, PhD, research fellow, Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, Hungarian Academy of Sciences


“The Summer Institute in Economic Geography is a truly enjoyable and valuable experience. The organisers bring together a remarkable group of early career researchers and established scholars with a planned diversity of personal, institutional and disciplinary backgrounds. This creates a wonderful environment for critical engagement and community building. As an ‘anti-conference’ with no pressure for immediate, measurable outputs, it’s hard to imagine a more re/productive event for participants and economic geography. Apply and attend!” 

Gareth Bryant, Lecturer in Political Economy, University of Sydney; now Senior Lecturer