About

Three faculty members across three continents are launching a free, lightweight hybrid research workshop for emerging scholars who are passionate about cities, urban studies, and real estate. This workshop is designed for students and young researchers who want to develop original research ideas, receive feedback from faculty, and engage with an international community of peers.

Rather than a traditional lecture-based program, this workshop is centered around research development. Participants will present their ideas and ongoing work, receive comments and suggestions from faculty, and refine their projects throughout the summer.

We are organizing this workshop because we genuinely enjoy engaging with sharp and curious young researchers. During the summer, when teaching obligations are lighter, we wanted to create an informal intellectual space where students and faculty can discuss new ideas about cities, real estate, and urban change.

There is no cost, no formal obligation, and no heavy commitment on either side. The workshop is intended to be intellectually serious, but also flexible and enjoyable.

Because the organizers are based in Boston, Cambridge, and Seoul, the workshop will primarily take place online via Zoom. Occasionally, a faculty member may connect a workshop session with an academic symposium or conference hosted at their institution. Participants who are nearby at that time may attend in person, though there is no expectation of or administrative/financial support for travel.

Organizers

• Dongxiao Niu, PhD
  Assistant Professor, Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge (UK)
• Bogang Jun, PhD
  Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Inha University (South Korea)
• Siqi Zheng, PhD
  The STL Champion Professor, Center for Real Estate & Department of Urban Studies and Planning, MIT (USA)

Workshop Structure

The workshop consists of three half-day sessions held approximately one month apart.

Session 1 — Research Proposal Presentation

June 8 (Monday), 2026 

EST 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Online)

Participants will present their proposed research questions and approaches.
Each presentation will be followed by faculty feedback and discussion.

• 10-minute presentation
• 5-minute Q&A

Session 2 — Midterm Progress Presentation

July 28 (Tuesday), 2026 

EST 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Hybrid format)

Participants will share preliminary findings and research progress.
Faculty members will provide suggestions to help sharpen and strengthen the work.

For those in the Boston area, you are welcome to drop by a classroom in MIT Building 9 to join two of our faculty organizers for this second session in person. You are also welcome to join our next day (July 29)’s research symposium as listeners – The Asian Urban Future (Registration: https://forms.gle/1LuPFrMGxUncTjdx6). However, we will not provide administrative or financial support (such as invitation letters, visas, or travel arrangements). 

Session 3 — Final Presentation

August 28 (Friday)

EST 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Online)

Participants will present completed or substantially developed research projects.
Faculty members will offer final reflections and broader research advice.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from undergraduate students, graduate students, and early-stage researchers with a genuine interest in:

• Cities and urban systems
• Real estate and housing
• Sustainability and resilience in urban and real estate settings
• Urban economics and regional development
• AI and technology in cities and real estate
• Urban data and spatial analysis
• Related interdisciplinary topics

A concrete research idea, intellectual curiosity, and strong writing matter more than institutional affiliation or formal credentials.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• CV
• A one-page research statement describing your proposed topic

Applications will be reviewed by the faculty organizers, and approximately 15–20 participants will be selected. (Send your application here: youngscholarsummer@gmail.com)

Please note that submission of application materials does not guarantee admission.

What Participants Can Expect

Participants will gain:

• Experience developing an original research project
• Faculty feedback on research design and presentation
• Exposure to international perspectives on cities and real estate
• An online peer community of students and young researchers with similar interests

Beyond the workshop itself, each faculty member may independently decide whether and how to engage further with participants whose work and potential stand out.

Cost

This workshop is completely free.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is May 29. Send your application here