Event Report: 2025 Joint Summer College for PhD and Early Career Researchers
Demographic Change and Regional Development
The sixth RSA Europe Summer College for PhD students and early career researchers convened in Palermo between 24–27 June 2025, bringing together emerging scholars, established academics and policy experts to explore the pressing issues of demographic change, mobility of human capital, labour market dynamics and regional development. Hosted jointly by the University of Palermo and the Regional Studies Association (RSA), this year’s programme offered an intensive blend of research presentations, keynote lectures, professional development sessions and a field trip showcasing successful local development practices.
A Strong Start in Historic Surroundings
The Summer College opened on Tuesday, 24 June at the Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri, home to the UNIPA Rectorate. Delegates were welcomed by Fabio Mazzola, Prorector for Teaching and International Affairs at the University of Palermo; Marcantonio Ruisi, Head of the Department of SEAS; and Alex Holmes, representing the RSA.
The first keynote of the week was delivered by Professor Alessandra Faggian (Gran Sasso Science Institute), who explored “Inclusive and Sustainable Growth: What to Do (if Anything) with Peripheral Areas?” Delegates then joined a guided tour of the historic Palazzo, led by Professor Mazzola, featuring highlights such as Renato Guttuso’s vivid painting La Vucciria and the 14th-century painted ceiling of the Sala Magna. A welcome cocktail followed, offering the first opportunity to network in a relaxed setting.
Keynotes and Knowledge Exchange
Academic sessions began on Wednesday, 25 June at UNIPA’s Viale delle Scienze campus. Professor Daniele Vignoli (University of Florence) opened the day with a keynote on “Positive Demography: Re-Thinking Demographic Dynamics”. After a morning refreshment break, Professor Annalisa Busetta (University of Palermo) delivered the second keynote, examining demographic inequalities and the need to look “beyond the expected”.
The afternoon was dedicated to researcher presentations, featuring work from Biagio Lacolare (University of Naples Federico II), Gabriele Doré (Universities of Florence and Sassari), Giada Garofani (University of Liverpool) and Turan Abbaszade (University of Cambridge). These sessions provided participants with opportunities to receive constructive feedback and engage in methodological and conceptual discussions.
Sessions continued on Thursday, 26 June, beginning with Professor Viktor Venhorst (University of Groningen), who delivered a lecture on “A Demography of Education and the Labour Market”. After the break, Filipe Batista from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre presented new data and analytical tools for assessing local and regional demographic trends and challenges across the EU.
Afternoon presentations followed from Fedaous Ben Brahim (UniLaSalle) and Kristina Dorofeeva (University of Florence), further showcasing the breadth of emerging research in the field.
Exploring Local Innovation: Field Trip to Castelbuono
The final day, Friday 27 June, took participants out of the seminar room and into the Sicilian countryside for a field trip to Castelbuono, a town known for its dynamic local enterprises. The group visited family-run businesses—including Tumminello biscotti, Paolo Forte biscotti, Caseificio San Nicola dairy, and the renowned Fiasconaro panettone producers—gaining insight into how small enterprises contribute to rural development and community resilience.
The visit concluded with a lunch hosted by the Comune di Castelbuono, where participants were welcomed by the town’s mayor, Mario Cicero.
A Collaborative and Supportive Environment
The 2025 Joint Summer College once again fostered a supportive, collegial and inspiring environment, encouraging the exchange of ideas and building long-lasting professional connections. Participants benefited not only from the high-quality academic sessions but also from professional development elements focused on career progression, writing and publication strategies, and methodological skills.
With a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers—including Fabio Mazzola, Alessandra Faggian, Daniele Vignoli, Annalisa Busetta, Viktor Venhorst, and Filipe Batista—the event highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to demographic and regional challenges.
As RSA Europe continues its commitment to supporting early career scholars, the 2025 Summer College affirmed its role as a vital platform for nurturing the next generation of regional studies researchers.