“The Summer Institute in Economic Geography is a truly unique meeting that considers economic-geographical research as, first and foremost, a social process. It integrates vigorous intellectual exchange between early career economic geographers with the development of social connections that can only be attained through living and interacting within a broader community. Personally, the identity of being part of this community is the most valuable takeaway from the 2012 meeting in Zurich, and this has led to close dialogue with two fellow participants on potential collaborations today.”

Kean Fan Lim, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Geography, University of Nottingham

“I attended the SIEG 2014 in Frankfurt-am-Main. I really enjoyed the stimulating conversation and the friendly environment. I am thankful to organizers for their capacity to create a friendly environment facilitating creative scientific discussions. I strongly recommend the SIEG to all my colleagues.”

Nicola Francesco Dotti, PhD, postdoctoral researcher, Cosmopolis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

"The SIEG 2016 was a wonderful and unique opportunity. It was a rich week of inspiration." Erika Machacek, PhD, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland “The Summer Institute in Economic Geography is the ultimate alt-conference: it brings together a small, dynamic mix of early career scholars with geography’s leading voices in a way that allows for deep theoretical dives, methodological debates, topical discussions, and informal socializing. It was an experience like none other I've had in higher education, encouraging participants to feel at home amongst our peers and build relationships that will persist throughout our careers.”

Beth Gutelius, doctoral researcher, University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Urban Planning & Policy

“The Summer Institute in Economic Geography, which I attended in Frankfurt in 2014, was a particularly meaningful and memorable academic and personal experience. It was truly a unique event that enabled both the intensive exchange of academic ideas and perspectives as well as the building of lasting community bonds. Going well beyond the script of a strictly academic conference, the Summer Institute’s sessions, meetings and social gatherings cut to the multifaceted heart of what it means to be an economic geographer. It has been inspiring to see that so many people remain in contact, and that the generative process that began at the SIEG has flourished into social as well as collaborative networks. For my part, I would like to remain involved with this project and contribute in any possible way to ensure its continuation, since I consider it an institution that plays a key role in building the present and future of Economic Geography.”

Luis Felipe Alvarez León, doctoral researcher, Department of Geography, UCLA

“The Summer Institute has become a right of passage in economic geography. It’s the can’t-miss, traveling genius loci where young scholars in the field can forge connections across continents that produce conference panels, special issues and other collaborations for years to come. It’s been less than a year since I attended and it’s already responsible for one conference panel, and a special issue is in the works.”

Mark Kear, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Geography and Development, University of Arizona