WPSC PhD Workshop 2026
Tampere University welcomed 57 doctoral researchers from around the world to Tampere for the WPSC PhD Workshop 2026, held from 26–29 June ahead of the 6th World Planning Schools Congress 2026 (WPSC). The workshop offered an intellectual but still relaxed climate characterized by open debate, shared exploration and futures-thinking in planning. The program consisted of lectures, PhD seminar sessions, mentoring discussions and of course urban excursions in the city of Tampere.
The workshop was closely linked to the overarching theme of the World Planning Schools Congress 2026, Peripheral Visions – Rethinking Planning. Participants examined how planning is increasingly challenged by global crises, technological change and shifting territorial dynamics. At the same time, the workshop encouraged doctoral researchers to look beyond immediate urgencies and to work together for the archives of the future.
A central feature of the workshop was its mentoring meetings. Experienced scholars and practitioners worked with participants in small groups, providing feedback on doctoral projects and research papers or discussing general processes of doctoral studies. The international mentor team included Peter Ache, Kristi Grišakov, Markus Laine, Helena Leino, Aleksi Neuvonen, Lina Olsson and Federica Scaffidi.
In addition to the academic program, participants had the opportunity to experience Tampere through guided urban excursions and social events. Shared social activities and informal time together gave participants the opportunity to get to know each other, exchange ideas and reflect on the insights gained during the workshop.
The workshop ended with participants travelling to Espoo and Helsinki to join the main World Planning Schools Congress 2026 on 29 June–3 July, where they shared reflections on the workshop with the wider congress audience.
For TURNS, hosting the workshop was a great opportunity to bring together emerging researchers and experienced scholars from various backgrounds. The event created new connections, encouraged inspiring discussions across planning traditions and highlighted Tampere as a vibrant setting for urban research and development.
We would like to thank all participants, mentors and organizers for their contributions to this event! In addition to TURNS, the workshop was organized in collaboration with the faculties of Built Environment (BEN) and Management and Business (MAB) together with the STUE profiling area at Tampere University. Special thanks go to the practical organization team Riina Lundman, Annika Annala and Anna Koskinen for making the workshop proceed so smoothly.
The main World Planning Schools Congress 2026 was organized in collaboration with Aalto University, University of Helsinki, Tampere University and the Global Planning Education Association Network GPEAN. The main event gathered more around 1500 participants from 60+ countries and was held first time ever in Europe. Thank you to everyone for this inspiring and memorable congress week and a fruitful collaboration!