The health and sustainability of left behind places and distressed neighbourhoods: advances through applied geography Applied Geography Commission of the International Geographical Union (IGU) themed conference
Date: September 9-11, 2026
Place: Department of Human Geography, Uppsala University, Sweden
This symposium brings together scholars in population geography and related fields interested in left behind places and distressed neighbourhoods to share perspectives and deepen understanding of how such places function, shape life chances, and can be improved through more effective planning and policy. Keynote speakers are Professor Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, London School of Economics, and Professor Eva Andersson, Stockholm University.
Topics of interest within health and sustainability include (but are not confined to):
• Housing, segregation and inequalities
• Rural challenges and adaptations
• Accessibility and transport
• Retail and food environments
• AI, ‘Smart Data’ and spatial analytics
• Ageing and wellbeing
• Diversity and demographics
Contact: igu 2026@uu.se
Learn more and submit abstract: https ://www.uu.se/institution/kulturgeografiska/samverkan/igu-conference
