In January 2026, the University of Florence will host a full week of advanced training for young researchers in urban studies, spatial planning, and the social sciences. The 12th Research Methodology Winter School (19–21 January 2026) will be followed by its Extended Edition, the OBSERVISTA Training School on Applied Ontology for Conceptual Analysis and Systematisation (22–23 January 2026).
Across five days, participants will engage in a coordinated learning pathway that combines methodological foundations with advanced tools for conceptual clarification, systematisation, and terminology-building—particularly in relation to terrain vague and urban studies.
The Winter School offers an intensive programme on research design, methods, and analytical techniques, while the Training School deepens conceptual and ontological competencies. Registration in the Winter School grants 4 ECTS and includes complimentary access (as a bonus) to the Training School. Participation in the Training School provides an additional 2 ECTS.
Individual meetings with faculty members on research projects and papers will be offered to participants.
The Winter School is promoted by the Università degli Studi di Firenze (Doctoral Programmes in the Department of Architecture), with support from IUSSAF and EURA (European Urban Research Association), and the participation of a network of Italian universities.
A network of scholars from several Italian universities, engaged with doctoral courses, has set up a PhD learning project on research methodology in the field of planning and urban studies. The School is organised around the following main sections:
The Winter School will be held in English. A Master’s degree is a basic requirement. Attendees from all countries are welcome.
Fee: €220 (includes: lunches; coffee breaks; welcoming aperitif; and participation in the School). Registration for the Winter School includes complimentary access to the OBSERVISTA Training School on Applied Ontology (optional) as a bonus extension of the programme.
Not included: travel to the venue, accommodation, local tourist tax (approx. €4/person/day), and the social dinner (approx. €30).
Credits: The Winter School provides a certificate of participation and 4 ECTS for students attending 3 days, or 6 ECTS for students attending all 5 days (Winter School + Training School).
Students from low-income countries are encouraged to apply. Participation grants will be available with the support of EURA. Further details on the application process will be added to the Winter School webpage.
Eligible students should send an email to winterschool.rmflorence@gmail.com with the subject line “GRANT REQUEST” to receive the application form.
Università degli Studi di Firenze, Department of Architecture, Santa Teresa, via della Mattonaia 8, Firenze, Italy
Camilla Perrone — Università degli Studi di Firenze (coord.)
Francesco Chiodelli — Università di Torino
Stefano Moroni — Politecnico di Milano
Filippo Schilleci — Università di Palermo
Barbara Pizzo — Sapienza Università di Roma
with scholars from Università Iuav di Venezia (IUAV); Politecnico di Torino; Politecnico di Milano; Università degli Studi di Firenze; Università di Cagliari; Università del Molise; Università di Sassari; Università Federico II di Napoli; Università di Roma Tre; Università di Palermo; Università di Catania; Politecnico di Bari.
Greta Adamo — Libera Università di Bolzano
Stefano Borgo — ISTC, CNR
Riccardo De Benedictis — ISTC, CNR
Roberta Ferrario — ISTC, CNR
Krystallia Kamvasinou — University of Westminster (Action Chair CA24134 — OBSERVISTA)
Alexandra Paio — ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
Max Willis — Polytechnic University of Valencia
Giulia Guadagnoli (coordinator), Margot Diradourian, Edison França, Bianca Galmarini, Eni Nurihana, Stefania Zaccaro - Università degli Studi di Firenze, Maria Rosaria Stufano Melone - Politecnico di Bari with the support of Benedetta Masiani - Università degli Studi di Firenze
For any questions, please contact: winterschool.rmflorence@gmail.com
Visit the WinterSchool website

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