IPWSD

Welcome to 17th annual Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Workshop in Sustainable Development (IPWSD)!


Hosted by: Columbia University’s Sustainable Development Doctoral Society.

Dates:  March 27-28, 2026

Location: Columbia University, New York City

Application Deadline for Presentations: February 1, 2026, 23:59 EST.

Call for application

Contact Email:  [email protected]

Previous IPWSDs : 20252024202320222021 — 2020 — 2019 — 2018 — 2017— 2016 2015 — 2014 — 2013 — 2012 — 2011 — 2010


IPWSD OVERVIEW:

The IPWSD provides a forum for young researchers working at the intersection between human development and the environment to present, receive feedback on, and discuss their research. It aims to foster a network among students pursuing research across disciplines, generating a broader interdisciplinary dialogue around sustainable development.

The workshop is targeted at PhD candidates. Presentations are expected to last 20 minutes and will be followed by a 5-minute discussant presentation, and 10 minutes of questions. Each presenter is expected to act as a discussant for another presentation that aligns most closely with their own research interests. In the past, participants have included students from university departments in economics, earth and environmental sciences, ecology, political science, engineering, epidemiology, and geography. In addition to presentations, the event will feature two keynote addresses by leading researchers in the field of sustainable development as well as panel discussions about interdisciplinary work and the current challenges facing the field.

There is no fee for participating in the event, and light breakfast & lunches will be provided. This year, we are pleased to be able to offer a limited number of need-based travel scholarships in line with the Sustainable Development Doctoral Society’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community. We can support expenses for bus, train, and flight tickets up to $500. Please indicate in the application form if you wish to be considered for need-based travel funding to allow your in-person participation.

Applications for IPWSD 2026 are now open. Please submit your application by filling out the online form by February 1, 2026, 23:59 EST. All applicants will be notified of the final decision regarding their application by the middle of February 2026. If you have any questions, please visit our website or contact the planning committee at [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you in New York,

IPWSD Planning Committee

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We would like to sincerely thank our sponsors for this event: Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy (ISERP), the Columbia Climate School and the Earth Institute, and the School of International and Public Affairs.