The Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) Early Stage Urban Research Awards is accepting project proposals for the 2026 cycle from Boston University faculty members and graduate students.
This year, we invite research proposals that explore pressing challenges and solutions facing cities—past, present, and future. Projects may focus on urban places and populations at the local, national, or international level.
Boston University faculty members are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in funding. Adjunct faculty are not eligible to apply as lead PIs on projects. Boston University graduate students, with faculty oversight, are eligible to apply for funding up to $5,000.
The Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) Early Stage Urban Research Awards is accepting project proposals for the 2026 cycle from Boston University faculty members and graduate students. This year, we invite research proposals that explore pressing challenges and solutions facing cities—past, present, and future. Projects may focus on urban places and populations at the […]
When: Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 4:00–5:30 PM ET (reception until 6pm) Where: Kenmore Room, 9th Floor, 1 Silber Way, Boston, MA 02215 The Boston University Initiative on Cities, Institute for Global Sustainability, and the Department of Earth & Environment are excited to welcome Dr. Jesse M. Keenan, Favrot Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate […]
By Sasa Ramos | Photos by Onjoli Palmer On Thursday, March 5, the Boston University Initiative on Cities, City Planning & Urban Affairs Program, and the Urban Planning Association hosted a student-focused fireside chat featuring Phil Eng, General Manager of the MBTA and interim Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation. A career civil engineer with decades of […]
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET Where: Initiative on Cities, 75 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215 Join the Boston University Initiative on Cities and the City Planning & Urban Affairs Program for a discussion with BU Urbanist and Lecturer at the Boston University City Planning & Urban Affairs Program, […]
By Sasa Ramos | Photos by Caitlin Lee and Ting Wei Li On Wednesday, February 4, the Initiative on Cities launched the Gentrification & Urban Displacement Lab (GUDL) – a new hub bringing together faculty, students, practitioners, and community partners committed to understanding urban change, culture, and inequality. At the center of this launch was […]
When: Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM ET Where: Rajen Kilachand Center Eichenbaum Colloquium Room, 1st Floor, 610 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 The Boston University Initiative on Cities, City Planning & Urban Affairs Program, and the Urban Planning Association are delighted to welcome the General Manager of the MBTA and interim Massachusetts Secretary […]
Calling all Boston University students: IOC's 2026 summer internship applications are now open! This year, the Initiative on Cities is offering four full-time, paid summer internships in the public sector. You can now apply: all information related to the internships is on their respective pages. Please note that, to apply, you must be in good […]
By Angelina Baicu On Wednesday, October 15th, the Initiative on Cities hosted a panel titled “Urban Growth and Citizenship Machines,” at which Boston University Professor of Architecture Daniel Abramson discussed his forthcoming book, Designing Citizens. The conversation focused on the urban renewal project in Boston's Government Center from the 1950s to the 1970s. The panel […]
Housing. Heat. Health.
The Initiative's new tripartite research agenda seeks to connect and engage practitioners, policymakers, governments, and communities to pursue evidence-based and practical solutions.
