Global crises and regional futures

The 46th Australian and New Zealand Regional Science Association International, and the 4th Regional Studies Association Australasian Conference Annual Conference

First call for papers

In a global environment marked by ‘polycrises’, in which the very future of the planet is at risk, this conference will provide an opportunity for regional studies and science scholars to share research insights into the implications of these crises for regions in different parts of the world. How are regional authorities seeking to address crisis? Are some regions proving more resilient than others? How can divergent trajectories in the context of climate, economic, security and polarisation crises be explained?

This conference, convened jointly by ANZRSAI and the Regional Studies Association (RSA), will bring together researchers from Asia, Europe, Australasia and beyond to examine these and related questions. The event will be hosted by the European Union Centre at RMIT on 26-28 November 2023. It will be an in-person conference, although opportunities for online presentation and streaming will be available.

If your work addresses the implications of global crises for regional futures, please join us for our 46th ANZRSAI Annual Conference and the fourth RSA conference in Australasia at RMIT Melbourne. Proposals for contributed papers, for themed panels, or for special sessions, will be welcomed on any topic related to regional futures.

For those who can attend in person, the venue is the City Campus of RMIT on Swanston Street in the heart of the City of Melbourne. More information on the conference and other relevant material will be available from the EU Centre of Excellence, RSA and ANZRSAI websites at:

The RMIT European Union Centre of Excellence: https://rmit.edu.au/eu-centre

Regional Studies Association: https://www.regionalstudies.org/

The Australian New Zealand Regional Science Association International: www.anzrsai.org

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Invitation from the ANZRSAI and RSA leaders

Portrait of Delwar Akbar Delwar Akbar - ANZRSAI President, 2023
Portrait of Sally Hardy Sally Hardy - Regional Studies Association CEO

Our two regional studies organisations, the Regional Studies Association (RSA) and ANZRSAI, are delighted to be able to jointly host a conference bringing together regional researchers globally. After the difficulties of meeting in person since the pandemic, this conference is an opportunity to meet and share ideas with colleagues from Asia, Australasia, Europe and  beyond.

Regions are experiencing the consequences of multiple global crises. This conference encourages researchers to contribute to mapping the implications of these crises for regional futures, exploring issues that are common to many but also recognising diverse patterns and challenges. We encourage the participation of those working at the front-line of these challenges, including policy makers and people involved in delivering regional programmes.

We are delighted that the European Union Centre of Excellence at RMIT will host the conference in Melbourne, with a venue at the heart of this cosmopolitan and vibrant city. We are confident this conference will have a wide appeal for those working in regional studies and science and for related policy makers.

We, along with Professor Bruce Wilson, the conference’s local organiser, also thank BCARR – the Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research – in the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, for their financial support as the Conference’s chief sponsor. This is a significant contribution to regional studies and science in Australia. In particular, we thank Karen Malam and Lucy Williams for their ongoing support of the ANZRAI annual conference.

Among other publication opportunities, participants are welcome to submit papers presented at the conference to the Australasian Journal of Regional Studies or to any of the RSA’s six journals – Regional Studies; Spatial Economic Analysis; Territory, Politics, Governance; Regional Studies, Regional Science; Area Development and Policy and finally the new start journal Finance & Space.

We hope that both the conference programme and its location will be an irresistible temptation to join us in November 2023.

 15 August 2023 Final date for submission of proposals for themed panels or special sessions on particular topics.
Tuesday, 12 September 2023 Final date for submission of abstracts for papers and for early bird registration.
Tuesday, 26 September 2023 Date for notification of acceptance of paper.
Tuesday, 3 October 2023 Date for publication of programme.
Tuesday, 31 October 2023 Final date for conference registration for paper presenters, for their paper to be confirmed in the programme.
Tuesday, 31 October 2023 Final date for submission of full paper by authors wanting their contribution to be peer reviewed for the conference proceedings or considered for the best paper awards.
Sunday, 26 November 2023 Informal drinks at RMIT’s Oxford Pub (optional, time TBC)
27-28 November Conference
Monday, 27 November 2023 Conference Dinner 7pm (separate registration necessary)

Abstract submission

The Regional Studies Association (RSA) and ANZRSAI Council invite contributions from academics, practitioners and policy advisors on any aspect of regional studies and science for presentation at the conference. The programme will include PowerPoint presentations, academic papers (which may be peer reviewed), themed panels and special sessions on topics in regional science theory, regional development practice or regional planning policy. Presentations can be made in person, or on-line in two parallel sessions.

Travel and accommodation

RMIT, Melbourne, is located in the heart of the central business district of Melbourne. There is a wide range of accommodation available within close walking distance of the venue. RMIT has ongoing connections with some reasonably priced hotels nearby; these details will be provided in the second call for papers and made available on the conference host’s websites.

Conference registration

This joint Regional Studies Association (RSA) and ANZRSAI conference will start with informal welcome drinks at RMIT’s Oxford Pub on the evening of Sunday 26 November 2023 (optional & time TBC) and be followed by two days of stimulating plenary addresses, panels of expert speakers and parallel sessions of submitted papers.

This is an opportunity for Regional Studies Association members and ANZRSAI members and others interested in regional issues to share experiences and network with each other, to keep up-to-date with latest developments in regional research and to address important issues in regional planning.

Once the programme of plenary speakers is finalised, details will be published on the conference partners’ websites.
Registration for the conference includes morning and afternoon tea as well as admission to all plenary and parallel sessions.  

  Fees
Early Bird Standard Registration (paid before 31 October) $300
Standard Registration for full conference (paid after 31 October)    $350
Student or Emeritus Registration for full conference $150
ANZRSAI Awards Dinner (Monday 27th November, 7pm) $120

Queries about the conference can be sent to Professor Bruce Wilson or Irini Vasilakakos

European Union Centre of Excellence,
RMIT University https://rmit.edu.au/eu-centre

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information