SPACE Studies is pleased to announce the launch of its PhD Researcher Funding Programme – Autumn 2026, an initiative dedicated to supporting doctoral researchers in presenting their work within an international academic environment.
Through a competitive selection process combining academic peer review and assessment of financial need, the programme will award 21 funded presentation places, comprising seven full funding awards and fourteen partial funding awards, across four SPACE International Conferences taking place online on 19–20 November 2026.
The programme welcomes applications from doctoral researchers worldwide whose work contributes to advancing knowledge in architecture, planning, urban design, housing and related interdisciplinary fields.
Application Deadline: 28 October 2026, 23:59 UK time
Participation in international academic conferences is an important component of doctoral research development. It provides opportunities for researchers to communicate their findings, engage in scholarly discussions, receive constructive feedback and establish connections within international academic communities.
However, access to conference participation is not always equally available, particularly for doctoral researchers with limited institutional or financial support.
The SPACE Studies PhD Researcher Funding Programme seeks to address these barriers by supporting doctoral researchers whose work demonstrates scholarly merit and whose circumstances indicate a need for financial assistance.
Through this initiative, SPACE Studies aims to encourage academic excellence, strengthen international research networks and promote inclusive participation in interdisciplinary scholarly exchange.
For the Autumn 2026 International Conference Series, SPACE Studies is offering 21 competitive funding awards in two categories.
Seven doctoral researchers will receive full funding covering 100% of the virtual presenter registration fee.
Fourteen doctoral researchers will receive partial funding covering 50% of the virtual presenter registration fee.
The standard student virtual presenter registration fee is £340. Recipients of partial funding awards will therefore be responsible for the remaining £170.
Funding is awarded towards conference participation and does not constitute a direct financial grant. Applicants may indicate whether they would be willing to accept a partial funding award if they are not selected for full funding.
All awards are subject to academic acceptance, eligibility verification and the programme’s funding conditions.
The SPACE Studies PhD Researcher Funding Programme supports doctoral research presentations across four international conferences taking place online on 19–20 November 2026.
Each conference addresses a distinct yet interconnected area of research, encouraging critical inquiry, interdisciplinary exchange and new perspectives on contemporary challenges.
Theme: Designing Sustainable Futures: Strategies, Innovations, and Transformations
The conference explores innovative approaches to sustainability across architecture, planning, urban design, policy and practice. It encourages interdisciplinary research addressing environmental challenges, social equity, technological transformations and strategies for creating more sustainable and resilient futures.
Theme: Negotiating Social Futures, Identity, and the Politics of Space
The conference examines the relationships between architecture, culture, identity and social structures. It welcomes critical research exploring spatial justice, belonging, cultural memory, representation and the ways built environments shape and reflect contemporary social and political conditions.
Theme: Reimagining Urban Futures: Planning, Governance, and Inclusive Cities
The conference investigates how cities are planned, governed and transformed in response to contemporary social, environmental and economic challenges. It encourages interdisciplinary perspectives on urban governance, inclusive planning and the development of equitable and resilient urban environments.
Theme: Reimagining Housing: Design, Policy, and Social Futures
The conference critically examines housing through the interconnected perspectives of design, policy, economy and society. It welcomes interdisciplinary research addressing housing affordability, social justice, sustainability, innovative housing models and the cultural dimensions of home, with a focus on creating more inclusive and equitable housing futures.
Applicants are encouraged to select the conference most closely aligned with their doctoral research.
The SPACE Studies PhD Researcher Funding Programme is open to researchers currently enrolled in a PhD or equivalent doctoral research programme at a recognised university or higher education institution.
Applicants must:
Researchers at different stages of their doctoral studies are encouraged to apply.
Supervisors and co-supervisors may be included as co-authors where academically appropriate. However, the funded doctoral researcher must personally deliver the conference presentation.
The programme follows a competitive assessment process designed to recognise academic merit while considering applicants’ financial circumstances.
All submitted abstracts will undergo double-blind peer review.
The academic assessment will consider the relevance of the proposed research to the selected conference, its originality, conceptual or theoretical foundations, methodological approach, clarity and potential scholarly contribution.
Applicants are encouraged to present their research accurately, distinguishing between completed findings, preliminary results and anticipated contributions where appropriate.
Applications that meet the academic acceptance criteria will be considered for funding.
Funding decisions will take into account applicants’ demonstrated financial need, access to institutional or alternative funding and the circumstances described in their funding statements.
Academic acceptance does not guarantee a funding award.
Applicants will be informed of funding decisions by 3 November 2026. Successful applicants will be required to accept or decline their funding offer within three calendar days of notification.
As a condition of the PhD Researcher Funding Programme, successful applicants are required to submit a complete full paper to the SPACE International Journal of Conference Proceedings by 20 December 2026, in accordance with the journal’s submission guidelines.
This deadline applies exclusively to researchers receiving funding through the PhD Researcher Funding Programme. The general submission deadlines for other conference participants remain unchanged.
All submitted manuscripts will be subject to academic and editorial review. Funding awards and conference participation do not guarantee publication.
Applications must be submitted through the official SPACE Studies PhD Researcher Funding Programme online application form.
Applicants will be asked to provide relevant academic and institutional information, evidence of current doctoral enrolment, an extended abstract of their proposed presentation and a statement explaining their funding needs.
The extended abstract should clearly communicate the research context, objectives or research questions, conceptual or theoretical framework, methodology and findings or anticipated scholarly contribution.
Extended abstract limit: 2,000 characters, including spaces.
Applicants should ensure that all information is accurate and complete and carefully review the programme’s declarations and funding conditions before submitting their applications.
| Applications Open | 19 October 2026 |
| Application Deadline |
28 October 2026, 23:59 UK time |
| Funding Decisions | 3 November 2026 |
| Conference Dates |
19–20 November 2026 |
| Full Paper Submission Deadline for Funded Researchers | 20 December 2026 |
SPACE Studies recognises the importance of supporting emerging researchers and creating opportunities for meaningful participation in international academic communities.
The PhD Researcher Funding Programme reflects this commitment by combining academic evaluation with financial support, enabling selected doctoral researchers to contribute to international scholarly discussions and develop their research profiles.
SPACE Studies welcomes applications from eligible doctoral researchers across different countries, institutions and academic backgrounds.
Applications are open until 28 October 2026, 23:59 UK time.
Funding is limited to 21 awards and allocated through a competitive academic and financial-need assessment process. Submission of an application does not guarantee academic acceptance or funding.
Sign in to continue
Not a member yet? Sign up now
Administrative Assistant
Deniz Bol is the Administrative Assistant at SPACE Studies, where she supports the day-to-day operations and contributes to the smooth functioning of the organization. Alongside her administrative role, Deniz is an artist with a passion for creative expression. She is currently pursuing her studies at the University of the Arts London (UAL), where she continues to develop her artistic practice. Her organizational skills, paired with her artistic background, make her a valuable asset to the SPACE Studies team, helping bridge the worlds of administration and creativity.
E-mail: denizbol@spacestudies.co.uk
Digital Marketing Consultant
Murat Oktay is the Digital Marketing Consultant at SPACE Studies, where he provides strategic guidance to enhance our digital presence and community engagement. With a keen eye for digital marketing trends and best practices, Murat plays a key role in refining our content strategy, expanding our online reach, and connecting with a wider audience. His expertise in digital tools and innovative marketing techniques aligns with SPACE Studies’ mission as a social enterprise, ensuring that our campaigns are impactful and resonate with our commitment to social responsibility in architecture and design. Outside his work with SPACE Studies, Murat stays at the forefront of digital marketing advancements, continually exploring new tools and sharing his insights with peers.
E-mail: muratoktay@spacestudies.co.uk
Marketing Manager
Santa Noella Matabaro is the Marketing Manager of SPACE Studies, bringing her expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, and relationship-building to the organization’s mission as a social enterprise. With a background in Politics & Law from the University of Kent, Santa combines analytical insights with a creative approach to advancing SPACE Studies’ vision of fostering interdisciplinary dialogue in architecture, design, and urban planning. In her role, she develops targeted campaigns and strategic partnerships, building brand presence and fostering meaningful connections with the community. Santa’s collaborative and people-centered approach enhances SPACE Studies’ impact, aligning with its commitment to social responsibility and innovation in the built environment.
Academic Content Coordinator
Betul Uckan is an architect and dedicated academic with a background in both architectural practice and research. She holds a Master of Science in Architectural Design and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Istanbul Technical University, where she cultivated her interests in architectural theory and design. Betul has gained experience as a research assistant in various universities, contributing to design studios and foundational courses. She has also worked in the field as an architect with projects focused on design, modeling, and construction, and has been involved in notable projects, including Maltepe Piazza and Emaar Square in Istanbul. With her expertise spanning both digital and material architecture, Betul brings a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach to her role as the Academic Programme Coordinator.
E-mail: betuluckan@spacestudies.co.uk
Senior Researcher & Managing Editor
Arghavan Pournaderi is a senior researcher in the field of architectural conservation and restoration, with an academic foundation in architecture and specialized expertise in historic sites and buildings. Completing her PhD at the Art University of Isfahan, Iran, in 2019, her research has contributed to the understanding of Iran’s architectural heritage, with a focus on Isfahan’s urban and architectural evolution during the Safavid period. In addition to her extensive research, Dr. Pournaderi has held academic positions at various institutions in Isfahan, teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her work extends beyond academia as she contributes to SPACE Studies as Senior Researcher & Managing Editor, where she oversees scholarly initiatives that foster deeper interdisciplinary dialogue in architecture and heritage conservation.
Senior Researcher & Educational Consultant
Gregory Cowan is a Senior Researcher and Educational Consultant at SPACE Studies, where he leads initiatives that bridge academic research and practical application in architecture and urban design. He contributes his extensive experience to mentoring postgraduate students, designing educational workshops, and guiding community-focused projects. Gregory is also a freelance academic at the University of Wales Trinity St David and the University of Westminster, and founder of The Architects Coach. His expertise spans architectural workspace analysis, professional development, and positive intelligence coaching.
E-mail: gregorycowan@spacestudies.co.uk
Senior Researcher
Alison Hand is a Senior Researcher at SPACE Studies. She is a painter and writer with an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art. Alison’s work focuses on creating absurd, unstable heterotopic spaces and dialogues with painting history. She is currently the Artist in Residence for King’s College London Philosophy Department on the Dreams and Wakeful Consciousness Research Project, exploring themes of time and simultaneity in new work. Alison has received numerous awards for her painting and is currently working with Bloomsbury Publishers on a major essay on Drawing in Contemporary Art. She is also the BA Fine Art Programme Leader at Art Academy London and co-director of Cement Arts. Her role at SPACE Studies involves leading research projects, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing to our artistic and academic initiatives.
E-mail: alisonhand@spacestudies.co.uk
Senior Researcher
Julian Wild is a Senior Researcher at SPACE Studies and the Sculpture Program Leader at The Art Academy London. With over 30 years of experience in creating and exhibiting sculptures, Julian has worked with high-profile clients such as Cate Blanchett and the University of Oxford. A fellow and former vice president (2015-2019) of the Royal Society of Sculptors, his work has been featured at venues like Modern Art Oxford and Chatsworth House. At SPACE Studies, Julian leads research projects, mentors junior team members, and conducts workshops that blend art and urban studies. In his free time, he enjoys attending academic conferences and crafting new sculptures.
E-mail: julianwild@spacestudies.co.uk
Director of Publications & Senior Researcher
Elif Suyuk Makakli (Associative Professor) earned her PhD in Architecture from the Vienna University of Technology, where she studied the impact of technology on architecture under Prof. William Alsop. With extensive experience in architectural practice in Istanbul and Vienna, she is now an Associate Professor at FMV Isik University, focusing on design education and technology. At SPACE Studies, Elif serves as both the Head of Publications and Senior Researcher, guiding scholarly content and contributing to research initiatives. She is dedicated to mentoring and fostering design innovation.
E-mail: elifsmakakli@spacestudies.co.uk
Director of Research
Sanaz Shobeiri is an architect, urban designer, and landscape urbanist, currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Planning at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research focuses on age-gender inclusiveness and the interplay of architectural, historical, political, and sociocultural dimensions in urban spaces, exemplified by her project on city centres in Belfast and Tehran. Sanaz holds a PhD in Urban Planning from the University of Tehran and has a robust portfolio in sustainability and urban theory. As Head of Research at SPACE Studies, she leads innovative research initiatives, fostering collaboration and academic excellence. In her free time, Sanaz enjoys exploring urban landscapes and supporting community development.
E-mail: sanazshobeiri@spacestudies.co.uk
Creative Director
Selin Gulce Sozmen is the Creative Director at SPACE Studies, where she leads the artistic vision and design strategy for the organisation. With a background in graphic design and visual arts, Selin has been instrumental in creating visually captivating books, journals, and event posters. Her role extends to developing and coordinating workshops and creative projects, ensuring that all visual materials meet the highest standards of quality and innovation. Selin’s dedication to creativity and excellence drives the visual and creative direction of SPACE Studies, making her an essential part of the team.
E-mail: selinsozmen@spacestudies.co.uk
Founder & Executive Director
Pinar Engincan is the Founder and Executive Director of SPACE Studies, an innovative social enterprise focused on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and education in architecture and urban design. With extensive experience as a lecturer and researcher, Pınar holds a PhD in Architecture and has led numerous academic initiatives. Her career includes curriculum development, international collaborations, and research on housing and urban policies. Passionate about bridging academia and community, she champions accessible education and consultancy services, empowering individuals to shape the built environment.
E-mail: pengincan@spacestudies.co.uk
