The application phase for the AESOP YA PhD Workshop 2026 is now open. Under this year’s theme, “Spatial planning at the fringes,” the workshop invites PhD candidates to place both spatial and metaphorical “fringes” at the centre of planning debates—from marginalised areas and socio-ecological limits to innovative niches and unconventional methods and practices in planning, research, and practice.

Key dates

• Call for applications: 14 January – 13 February 2026
• Notification of acceptance: 01 April 2026
• Registration (early bird): 01 – 30 April 2026
• Registration (regular): 01 – 31 May 2026
• Workshop: 22 – 25 September 2026
• Location: Drosendorf (Schloss Drosendorf), Austria

Funding update: participation free of charge

We are pleased to share that the event will be funded by the ERASMUS+ EULiST initiative, making participation in the PhD Workshop free of charge for all selected PhD candidates.

Workshop focus

Multi-layered socio-ecological crises and increasing geopolitical instability are calling established societal values and development paths into question. Yet, particularly in times of crisis, unconventional perspectives and practices are often sidelined or marginalised. This workshop addresses this dynamic by viewing these “fringes” as productive starting points for social and spatial transformation and for innovative approaches to spatial planning.

Location: Schloss Drosendorf and excursion to Znojmo

The workshop will take place at Schloss Drosendorf in the Waldviertel region (northwest of Vienna). The baroque castle was carefully renovated in 2021 and now serves as a hotel and seminar venue. It is also part of the “landuni” project (a cooperation between TU Wien and the Province of Lower Austria) that fosters exchange between the university and the municipality to revitalise the region through ongoing teaching, research, and academic events “on site.”

A programme highlight is a fully organised day trip to Znojmo (Czech Republic). One workshop day will be held at the Loucký klášter (a former Premonstratensian monastery south of Znojmo). The excursion is fully organised by the workshop team and is included in the overall workshop costs.

Travel and practical information

Drosendorf offers ideal conditions for focused work in a peaceful setting, including multiple seminar rooms, indoor and outdoor workspaces, and a café and restaurant within walking distance.
The venue can be reached by public transport (approx. 2.5 hours from Vienna Central Station, approx. 3 hours from Vienna Airport). In addition, two bus transfers between Vienna Main Train Station and Schloss Drosendorf will be organised for participants:

• Monday, 21 September (afternoon)
• Tuesday, 22 September (morning) (depending on the composition and needs of workshop participants)

Application: required documents

Please submit the following:

1. PhD thesis abstract (max. 500 words incl. bibliography)
   – including your (working) title and an abstract of your dissertation project
2. Short CV (PDF, max. 1 page)
   – current affiliation, background, and relevant skills (e.g., teaching experience)
3. Motivation letter (max. 500 words), addressing:
   • What stage of your PhD are you at?
   • What needs or challenges are you currently facing?
   • What are your expectations for the workshop—what do you hope to gain?
   • How does your dissertation topic relate to the theme “Spatial planning at the fringes”?

Apply now

Submit your application by 13 February 2026. Selected candidates will be notified on 01 April 2026. Registration link and further information: Link für die Anmeldung und weitere Informationen, opens an external URL in a new window