Columbia University’s Sustainable Development Doctoral Society is pleased to announce its sixteenth Interdisciplinary PhD Workshop in Sustainable Development (IPWSD), which will be held in a hybrid format at Columbia University in New York City and via Zoom on April 4-5, 2025.
The IPWSD serves as a platform for emerging researchers exploring the intersection of human development and the environment to present their work, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions. It also aims to build a vibrant network of students from diverse disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration on sustainable development.
The workshop primarily targets PhD candidates but also welcomes MA students interested in research and pursuing PhD programs. Presentations will last 20 minutes, followed by a 5-minute discussion led by a fellow presenter and up to 10 minutes for audience questions. Additionally, each participant is expected to serve as a discussant for another presentation that closely aligns with their research interests. If there is sufficient interest from participants, opportunities for 5-minute egg-timer presentations may also be available.
In the past, participants have included students from university departments in economics, earth and environmental sciences, ecology, political science, engineering, epidemiology, and geography. Besides presentations, there will be at least one keynote address by a leading researcher in the field of sustainable development.
There is no fee for participating in the event, and light breakfast and lunch will be provided for both days, along with a dinner reception on the first day. Similar to previous years, we are pleased 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. For selected participants, we can support travel expenses (bus, train, or flight) up to $500. Please indicate in the application form if you wish to be considered for need-based travel funding to facilitate your in-person participation.
Applications for IPWSD 2025 are now open. Please submit your application by filling out the online form by February 7, 2025, 23:59 EST. All applicants will be notified of the final decision by the end of February 2025. If you have any questions, please visit our website or contact the planning committee at susdev@columbia.edu.
We look forward to your application,
2025 IPWSD Planning Committee
