“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

"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

“As an alumnus of the first Summer Institute (2003), and a recent featured speaker (2014), I can say that it is one of the most significant and valuable professional events held regularly in the field of economic geography. Not only does the Institute provide participants with an opportunity to engage in intensive, stimulating, collegial, and highly substantive discussions about the field and emerging research agendas, it also serves a valuable role by helping current and recently graduated PhD students to understand the academic enterprise and the challenges of, among other things, navigating the publishing and professional worlds we work in. Several of the friendships and professional ties that began at the Institute I attended in 2003 have played a central role in my career development and I have seen many alumni emerge as leaders among the current and next generation of economic geographers. This is a vital initiative, one that strengthens and sustains the field by imbuing in its participants a sense of purpose, identity, and commitment to research and teaching that can deploy economic geography concepts and theories in ways that help us better understand the causes and potential solutions to pressing socioeconomic, political, and environmental issues worldwide.”

James T. Murphy, PhD, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Geography, Clark University