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The 64th ERSA Congress, held from August 26–29, 2025, in the historic city of Athens, marked one of the most dynamic editions in the Association’s history. Hosted in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens and key local partners, the event brought together the global regional science community to explore the theme “Regional Science in Turbulent Times”.
Participation Highlights:
With 915 total registrations, the congress gathered:
Participants from 52 countries reflected the global scope and inclusivity of ERSA, with top representations from: Italy (183), Greece (82), Spain (65), Netherlands (52), UK (48), Poland (44), France (44), Brazil (39), Germany (34), Hungary (29), Sweden (26), and ?? Japan (25).
Programme Highlights
· 900+ presentations across paper sessions, roundtables, special sessions, and Young Scientists Workshops.
· Keynote: “Firm Roots, Strategic Agility: The Lasting Impact of EU Cohesion Policy”by Themis Christophidou, DG REGIO – European Commission. Chaired by Prof. Harry Coccosis, moderated by Prof. Andrés Rodríguez-Pose
· Prof. Jacques-François Thisse delivered the keynote “Regional Science or Spatial Economics?”, followed by the presentation of the RSAI Founder’s Medal in his honour.
· High-level Keynote Michael Storper (LSE), ERSA prize 2025 winner, who delivered a powerful final keynote: “Europe’s Geography Problem: Reconciling Growth with Equity”.
· Special Event “Global Turbulence, Local Consequences – A New Force Field for Regional Development” featuring Paul Krugman (CUNY) Online.
ERSA Journal Launch
At #ERSA2025, we proudly launched the ERSA journal:
Global Challenges and Regional Science (Elsevier), presented by Dimitris Ballas, Editor
Editor-in-Chief: Vicente Royuela Mora
Open Access – APC free until May 2026!
? Visit the journal
Special Moments
· Opening Ceremony at the emblematic Zappeion Megaron, featuring speeches by city officials and ERSA leaders.
· Closing Ceremony and Get-together Party in Panteion University.
· The Gala Dinner took place at the prestigious Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), a stunning close to a rich week of dialogue and celebration.
Awards Ceremony – ERSA 2025
· ERSA EPAINOS Prize: Inessa Tregubova
· RSAI Fellow 2024: Prof. Eduardo Haddad, University of São Paulo
· RSAI Fellows 2025: Prof. Hans Westlund, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Prof. Daniela Constantin, Bucharest University of Economic Studies
· RSAI Peter Nijkamp Prize: Prof. Pedro Amaral, Cedeplar/UFMG
· RSAI Dissertation Award: Dr. Felix Pot, University of Groningen
· Martin Beckmann Prize:Giorgio Fazio, Sara Maioli & Nirat Rujimora for:“Building back greener, levelling-up or both? An assessment of the economic and environmental efficiency transition of UK regions” ? Read article
· RSPP Award: Diego Loras-Gimeno, Gonzalo Gómez-Bengoechea & Jorge Díaz-Lanchas for: “Fiscal redistribution and the narrowing urban–rural income gap”? Read article
· ERSA Prize 2025: Prof. Michael Storper, LSE & UCLA.
In Memoriam
During the closing ceremony, Yannis Psycharis, Chair of the Local Organising Committee, and Peter Nijkamp offered heartfelt words in remembrance of Prof. Nikos Konsolas, who passed away two years ago, a respected figure in Regional Science community.
Gratitude
We sincerely thank the local organising committee, session chairs, speakers, volunteers, and all participants for making #ERSA2025 a truly memorable edition.
See you next year in Sofia, Bulgaria at the 65th ERSA Congress 2026!
The Local Organising Committee will be chaired by Koyso Stoychev.
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