12th PhD Winter School on Research Methodology

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY in social sciences, urban studies and spatial planning — research approaches and methods

Overview:

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 Network:

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.

Structure:

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:

1. BASICS
   Basic questions will be addressed, including: how to write an academic article or a PhD thesis, and how to publish in international scientific journals.
2. RESEARCH DESIGN
   We will address: an overall strategy to integrate the different components of a qualitative study and effectively address the research problem. Topics include what research design is (and is not), how to make sure all parts are properly in place before “tightening,” and why to pursue a qualitative study of the chosen topic.
3. METHODOLOGICAL QUESTIONS [METHODS]
   Parallel workshops will address methods of qualitative and quantitative research and the research–action approach, as well as the challenge of working with comparative approaches beyond stereotyped divides in international research (e.g., north/south; formal/informal).
4. APPROACHES
   We will address hot topics in planning and urban studies from a methodological perspective. Leading scholars in the field will present and discuss their methodological approaches to these topics.
5. RENT A RESEARCHER
   “Rent a Researcher” offers one-to-one peer meetings: a number of Italian scholars are available for limited appointments with PhD candidates and young academics for exchange and tutoring activities.

Registration:

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).

Grant opportunities supported by EURA

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.

Important dates and info:

• 26 October 2025: Applications for registration officially open.
• 22 December 2025 (flexible): Application deadline (or earlier due to limited availability).
• 31 December 2025: Deadline to request cancellation and receive a refund net of transaction costs. After this date, registrations are non-refundable.
• Number of attendees accepted: 80

Venue:

Università degli Studi di Firenze, Department of Architecture, Santa Teresa, via della Mattonaia 8, Firenze, Italy

Organizing Scientific Committee:

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.

Invited scholars:

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

Organizing team:

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

Contact:

For any questions, please contact: winterschool.rmflorence@gmail.com