“The 2014 Summer Institute in Economic Geography was one of the most important academic events I have had the fortune of attending. While every facet of the meeting was superlative, the opportunity to spend time with economic geographers from different parts of the world, working on diverse topics, was invaluable both intellectually and socially. These connections will bear fruit throughout my career and have already led to collaborative projects that would not have happened otherwise.”

Patrick Bigger, PhD, Marie Curie Research Fellow in Political Ecology, School of Environment and Development, University of Manchester

"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

“As a Ph.D. candidate at a school with a small Ph.D. program, the Summer Institute In Economic Geography was a perfect way to develop a group of peers in the field. Everyone was capable and interesting, and someone you could talk with for hours. The sessions were engaging and the faculty terrific—and very supportive.”

Peter Wissoker, doctoral researcher, Department of City & Regional Planning Cornell University

“It was an honor to participate in the Summer Institute in Economic Geography in Zurich! I have never thought that I could communicate face-to-face with those big names printed inside the top journals of economic geography. Over the years, the summer institute has built a bridge between western and non-western economic geographers, allowing me and other young participants have the precious chance to introduce our work. Most of all, I have built solid friendships with some young scholars with shared research interests, with continuing benefits for me. With best wishes for the future of our Summer Institute in Economic Geography!”

Juncheng Dai, PhD, Lecturer, Cultural Economics Research Institute, Central University of Finance and Economics, China

“I participated in SIEG as assistant to the organizing committee as well as panelist in one session. Besides the organizational tasks, I had the chance to build lasting friendships but also a professional network, which stretches far beyond the SIEG meeting. It proves valuable when it comes to future job plans and open career positions, not only because the participants come from everywhere but also because there is a good mixture between PhD researchers, postdocs and Assistant professors that enables an inspiring exchange of ideas and experiences. It was a great opportunity indeed at all levels: academic, professional and personal.”

Dorothee Niebuhr, doctoral researcher, Department of Geography, Goethe University Frankfurt