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The APDR invites regional scientists, economists, sociologists, geographers, urban planners, policy makers, and researchers of related disciplines to participate in the 32nd APDR Congress with the theme "Sustainable Transformation and Spatial Interaction of People and Places: Urban and Rural Landscapes for mobility, migration and tourism" that will be held from 10 to 11 of July, 2025, at the Universidade Portucalense (UPT), Porto, Portugal.
On July 8 and 9, 2025, just before the main conference, a Sustainable Regional Development Academy will be organized for a limited number participants at the Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), Porto, Portugal.

Sustainable transformation of urban and rural landscapes is reshaping spatial interactions between people and places, particularly in the context of mobility, migration, and tourism. Counter-urbanization, or the reverse migration from cities to rural areas, is driven by factors such as digital connectivity, improved infrastructure, and a desire for lifestyle changes. Rural areas are adapting to accommodate this influx, developing new forms of tourism like agritourism and eco-lodges, while also experiencing challenges such as rural gentrification and pressure on local resources. The interplay between urban and rural spaces is creating new opportunities for economic diversification, cultural exchange, and sustainable development, but also raises concerns about preserving natural and cultural heritage. In order to promote the long-term sustainability of both urban and rural environments, communities and policymakers must collaborate as this transition takes place to ensure that social equity, environmental preservation, and economic growth are balanced.

KEY DATES

February 10, 2025 - Deadline for Special Session Proposals
March 15, 2025 - Deadline for Academy Applications
April 2, 2025 - Deadline for the Submission of Abstracts in General Program and for Special Sessions
May 2, 2025 - Notification of Abstract Acceptance- General Program/Special Sessions
May 31, 2025 - Pre-Registration Due and Presenters must register
July 8-9, 2025 - Academy dates
July 10-11, 2025 - Congress dates

VENUE

Sustainable Regional Development Academy

Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP)
Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n
4200-465 Porto, Portugal

2025
APDR Congress

Universidade Portucalense – Infante D. Henrique (UPT)
Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 541, 4200-072 Porto
Portugal

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Andrea Conte
Head of the Territorial Economic Data, Analysis and Modelling (TEDAM) team at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission

Joaquim Oliveira Martins
Former Special Advisor of the EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms and Counsellor at the Center for Prospective Studies and International Information (CEPII, Paris)

JULY 2025

TUESDAY, 8	WEDNESDAY, 9	THURSDAY, 10	FRIDAY, 11
Sustainable Regional Development Academy	Sustainable Regional Development Academy	2025 APDR Congress	2025 APDR Congress