VASAB Young Planners’ Summer School 2026
Are you a young professional or student interested in shaping the future of spatial planning in the Baltic Sea Region? The VASAB Young Planners’ Summer School 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with key challenges such as climate change adaptation, resilience, mobility, and sustainable land and sea use.
Organised by VASAB (Visions and Strategies Around the Baltic Sea) in cooperation with Gdańsk University of Technology, the Summer School “Navigate Planning Through Changes” will take place from 23–29 August 2026 in Gdańsk, Poland.
About the Summer School
The programme combines an international contest with a collaborative learning environment. Participants will work in interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral teams to develop innovative spatial planning solutions for the Baltic Sea Region.
Key thematic areas include:
- Strengthening regional resilience and climate adaptation
- Balancing land and sea use
- Improving mobility and connectivity for people and goods
- Exploring the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in spatial planning
Participants will receive input through introductory workshops and continuous mentoring throughout the week. The most promising ideas will be presented at a high-level VASAB meeting and may contribute to future strategic documents.
Who can apply?
The Summer School is open to:
- Young professionals and students (Master’s, doctoral or postgraduate level) in fields related to spatial planning, geography, and regional studies
- Applicants under the age of 35 with no more than five years of professional experience in the field
- Individuals studying or working in VASAB member countries (Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Sweden) as well as Norway, Denmark, and Ukraine
- Applicants with a strong interest in spatial and regional development
Please note: Previous participants of the Baltic Sea Region Young Planners Contest (Poznań 2019, Greifswald 2022) are not eligible.
How to apply
Applicants are asked to:
- Describe one major spatial planning challenge facing the Baltic Sea Region
- Complete the application form
- Submit all materials by 7 April 2026 via email to: young.planners@vasab.org
Further details, including the full regulations and application form, are available via the official call.
Participation and funding
Participation in the Summer School is free of charge.
Travel costs (up to €200 per participant), accommodation, and catering will be covered.
More information: Summer School 2026 - VASAB
