The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is set to take a leading role at the 6th World Planning Schools Congress (WPSC), taking place from 29 June to 3 July 2026 in Helsinki and Espoo, Finland, alongside a PhD workshop in Tampere from 26 to 29 June.
Bringing together the global planning research community, the Congress—organised by the Global Planning Education Association Network (GPEAN)—provides a vital platform for exchanging ideas on how research can inform policy and practice in an increasingly complex world. Held every five years, and for the first time in Europe, the 2026 event marks a significant moment for collaboration between planning schools, practitioners and professional bodies worldwide.
Under the theme “Peripheral Visions: Rethinking Planning”, the Congress will tackle major global challenges including the climate crisis, economic pressures, political populism and the growing influence of technologies such as Big Data and generative AI. Discussions will also explore biodiversity, migration and spatial justice—highlighting the critical role of planning in addressing interconnected global issues.
The RTPI’s participation reflects its ambition to act as a global leader in the profession, as set out in its Empower 2030 strategic plan and its Research and International Strategies. These frameworks emphasise the importance of strengthening the link between research and practice, promoting planning as a solution to economic, social and environmental challenges, and advancing global knowledge exchange.
Dr Daniel Slade underscored the importance of this engagement: “The RTPI’s strategic plan sets out a modest ambition: To be the world's leading professional planning body. This wouldn’t be possible without us playing an active role in the international planning research community, and this is exactly what we’ll be doing at next week’s World Planning Schools Congress in Helsinki. In partnership with the Regional Studies Association, we’ll be running a roundtable on shaping the ‘demand’ from policy makers for cutting edge research, and hosting a reception to bring together key partners from around the world.”
A central feature of the RTPI’s contribution is a high-profile roundtable, held on Tuesday 30 June, exploring how stronger demand from policymakers could reshape the research landscape. Titled “Reframing the theory–practice and research–policy gaps in the time of polycrises”, the session will examine whether a shift away from focusing solely on research supply could unlock more innovative and impactful planning solutions.
Chaired by Dr Daniel Slade, the panel will bring together leading voices from academia, policy and practice, including representatives from Georgia Tech, the University of Cambridge, Demos Helsinki and the Gozo Regional Development Authority, alongside the RTPI experts.
The RTPI will also contribute to the academic programme through a presentation on “Futureproof new towns: International lessons on how to build flexible and adaptable new towns”, showcasing findings from its commissioned research and reinforcing its role in shaping global planning debates.
Beyond formal sessions, the Institute will host a major networking reception on 30 June, bringing together planning schools, editorial leaders from Planning Theory and Practice, and international partners including UN-Habitat and Global Planning Education networks. The event aims to strengthen relationships and foster collaboration across the global planning community.
As a learned society and professional body, the RTPI’s engagement at WPSC highlights its dual role in advancing both research and practice. By contributing to critical debates, supporting knowledge dissemination and building international partnerships, the Institute is reinforcing its global profile—and its commitment to leading the future of planning in an era of unprecedented change.