A Few Words from the Chair of the LOC
On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee of the 64th ERSA Congress to be held in Athens, 26-29 August 2025, it is my sincere pleasure to contact you, the members of the ERSA Community.
The main theme of the Congress “Regional Science in turbulent times: in search of a resilient, sustainable and inclusive future” encompasses and reflects the multiplicity of expressions and the complexities that are becoming evident in the ‘new normality’.
The tremendous response we received from the Regional Science Community, with more than 1,150 submissions of papers, and requests for almost 100 Special Sessions, highlights the awareness and determination of the ERSA community to step up and respond to contemporary challenges.
We are doing our utmost to provide the appropriate venue and the conditions necessary for an intriguing and rewarding conference, as well as a pleasant and relaxing stay in Athens!
We will be happy to welcome you to Athens!
Yannis Psycharis
Head of the Local Organizing Committee
Keynote Speakers
Jacques-François Thisse
Professor of Economics and Regional Science at UCLouvain, Belgium
Themis Christophidou
Director-General of the European Commission’s Regional and Urban Policy, Belgium
Michael Storper
Professor of Economic Geography, London School of Economics, UK
Key dates
About the Congress
The 64th ERSA congress will be held from 26 to 29 August 2025 with onsite participation only. The ERSA2025's edition will focus on “Regional Science in Turbulent Times. In search of a resilient, sustainable and inclusive future”. This theme is explicitly related to the contemporary challenges that people and places are facing today and to how Regional Science can reflect and interact with these challenges. The economic crisis, the refugee crisis and the pandemic are some representative examples of the unprecedented intensity and prolonged duration of the sequential crises that have been experienced. The field of Regional Science is made up of a dynamic association of scientists and policy makers who are engaged in understanding, analysing, and promoting policy proposals that will lead to a more resilient and inclusive future for people and places across the globe.
With approximately 800 participants every year from all continents, the ERSA congress has become the largest academic conference in regional science worldwide. There is simply no better place to present your research results, get precious feedback and network as well as find out about new developments in the field, and also meet colleagues and friends.
Contact us
Congress secretariat: congress@ersa.org
14 August 2025
Accommodation Options for ERSA 2025 Participants – Book Early!
In collaboration with Greek Link Travel Agency, the Local Organising Committee has arranged special hotel offers for ERSA participants at properties located near Panteion University, the congress venue.
To book, contact: info@greeklink.gr |Tel:+30 212 105 1222
01 August 2025
Participants are encouraged to make use of the official Athens Visitors Guide and all available city services provided through the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB).
🌐 This is Athens – Convention & Visitors Bureau:
📢 The City of Athens actively promotes the ERSA 2025 Congress:
https://www.thisisathens.org/acvb/events-64-ersa-congress
The portal offers vibrant, up-to-date information on traveling to Athens, accommodation, dining, leisure, and cultural experiences. It also offers direct contact points for further inquiries or support during your stay.
KEYNOTE LECTURES and SOCIAL PROGRAMME
🔔 Highlights of the ERSA 2025 Congress Week
📍 Athens, Greece | 26–29 August 2025
Get ready for a rich and inspiring programme combining high-level academic sessions, keynote lectures, networking opportunities and cultural experiences:
🏛 Tuesday, 26 August
18h–19h30 | Keynote Lecture
🎤 Themis Christofidou
Director-General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission
19h30–21h | Welcome Reception
🥂 Network in the open-air courtyard of the Zappeion, with views of the Acropolis.
💼 Wednesday, 27 August
09h–10h30 | EC-JRC Roundtable Discussion
🤝 High-level policy dialogue with global experts.
18h30 -19h30 | Panteion University & LOC Special Event with Paul Krugman (online) Distinguished Professor at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY)
🏫 “Global Turbulence, Local Consequences - A New Force Field for Regional Development”
Speakers: Paul Krugman (online), Roberta Capello, Asimina Christoforou, Arthur Grimes, Philip McCann, Peter Nijkamp
Followed by:
19h30 | Get-Together Party
🎉 Join us in the university garden for a relaxed evening with colleagues.
🌍 Thursday, 28 August
14h30 | Keynote Lecture
🎤 Jacques-François Thisse
Professor, UCLouvain
🎓 Friday, 29 August
16h30 | Closing Ceremony & Keynote Lecture
🎤 Michael Storper
London School of Economics
19h–22h | Congress Dinner
🍽 Hosted at the spectacular Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)
Join us in Athens!
Another unique platform for ERSA Congress 2025!
Discover all the charms of Athens in less than 4 minutes through this video of "Athens from the sky" with breathtaking views from the sky.
Video credit: Skyview
Why attend #ERSA2025?
Be inspired by new ideas. Immerse yourself in a dynamic environment where ideas flourish, drawing inspiration from fellow attendees and keynote lecturers.
Network
Share experiences, exchange ideas, and build a network with peers.
ERSA Cogress brings together people from different backgrounds who develop diverse and innovative solutions.
Connect with us on social media
#ERSA2025