Cities, Spaces, and Mobilities: Collaborative approaches to global challenges

The Cities, Spaces, and Mobilities: Collaborative Approaches to Global Challenges BIP aims to create a permanent framework for doctoral training, where universities within Hub 4 take turns organizing and designing sessions.

These sessions address key topics essential to the field, including advanced research methodologies, case study analysis, exchange of practical experiences, exploration of emerging issues, and the discussion of shared challenges. The BIP emphasizes:

• developing practical and theoretical skills for addressing urban challenges;
• encouraging collaboration among doctoral students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines;
• strengthening links between academic research and societal needs.

The course is rooted in the thematic priorities of Hub 4, focusing on cities, spaces, and mobilities, and it aims to align with CIVIS’ broader goals of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. The seminar is built on the active participation of member universities, enabling the incorporation of diverse perspectives and addressing specific concerns related to doctoral education in this domain.

Main topics addressed

The programme equips participants to address pressing challenges such as: 

• Climate and environmental issues for cities: training students to develop  sustainable solutions like green infrastructure and low-carbon mobility systems;
• Social and employment challenges: promoting approaches to reduce urban inequalities and enhance social cohesion;
• Resilient and sustainable urban economies: exploring strategies that balance sustainability with economic growth, particularly focusing on responsible tourism as a driver of development;
• Historical, landscape, and architectural urban issues: highlighting the importance of urban heritage, cultural tourism, and sustainable landscape management;
• Urban governance: strengthening competencies in participatory policymaking and sustainable urban planning;
• Other challenges related to Hub4 - Cities, Spaces, and Mobilities.

Learning outcomes

The BIP aims to provide participants with a set of knowledge, skills, and competencies that align with the main and secondary themes of Hub 4: Cities, Spaces, Mobilities.

Key learning outcomes include:

• advanced knowledge: understanding methodologies and concepts related to climate-resilient cities, urban governance, spatial transformations, sustainable mobility, etc.
• analytical skills: developing the ability to analyze complex urban systems, evaluate policy impacts, and assess social and environmental dynamics;
• practical competencies: gaining hands-on experience through fieldwork, site visits, and collaborative projects that link theory to practice;
• interdisciplinary collaboration: working effectively in diverse teams to address multifaceted urban and spatial challenges;
• communication skills: enhancing abilities to present research findings, engage in debates, and propose solutions to academics, practitioners, and policymakers.