How is the Initiative on Cities Making a Difference in Urban Scholarship?

We catalyze early-stage research that deepens understanding of cities and urban populations. Today, with over half the world’s population living in urban areas, it is more crucial than ever for scholars and practitioners to address the complex challenges facing 21st-century cities – and to shape the policies and practices that will shape their future. If you are a member of the BU community and interested in submitting a proposal, we encourage you to review our annual requests for proposals, which typically open in December or January.  
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724 result(s) found.

  • Urban Seminar Series: Policing the City

    February 23, 2015
    The Initiative on Cities is excited to host the next edition of our Urban Seminar Series, Policing the City: a conversation on race, municipal leadership and public safety moderated by BU Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore on Monday, February 23rd, from 2:30 pm -4:00 pm at the Florence & Chafetz Hillel House, 213 Bay State […]
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    Urban Seminar Series: The Allston Railyard – Redeveloping the City One Yard at a Time

    October 19, 2015
    Decades ago, a downtown Boston railyard was redeveloped into the thriving Prudential Center. Today, the Allston railyard sits on BU's doorstep, ripe with opportunity. How can cities and communities come together to guide us toward urban excellence on these post-industrial sites? Join us for a conversation with researchers and experts in the field including: Virginia Greiman, […]
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    Urban Seminar Series: The Inclusive Sharing Economy

    September 24, 2015
    The sharing economy is changing how cities interact, travel, and do business. But is it benefiting all urban communities equally? How inclusive should it be? Who is responsible for ensuring fairness and equity in the sharing economy? Join us on Thursday, October 1st for the Fall 2015 debut of our IOC Urban Seminar Series. Moderated […]
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    Urban Seminar Series: Urban Energy Systems

    November 23, 2015
    New electrical utility business models are changing the way energy systems in cities work. What impact are they having on urban residents? How are the utilities collaborating, or not, with city governments? And what does it mean for the future of urban energy systems?  We're excited to welcome you to the next edition of the […]

  • Urban Seminar: Faith and the City

    December 7, 2016
    What is the role of faith in the modern city? How do religious leaders and institutions impact urban residents, especially marginalized populations? Join us on Wednesday December 7th, at 11:45am to discuss the multitude of ways faith-based organizations contribute to the success of cities, particularly in the city of Boston. Moderated by Rev. Dr. Robert […]
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    Urban Seminar: Latin American Cities

    February 13, 2017
    According to UN-Habitat, Latin America is the most urbanized region in the world. Over 75% of its population lived in cities at the turn of the 21st century and that figure is expected to rise to almost 85% by 2030. Event recap coming soon.

  • Urban Seminar: The Cultural City

    March 31, 2015
    Cultural images of Boston range from its venerable arts and music institutions to the seamy underworld portrayed in the film The Departed. As in many cities, these polar extremes mask a rich spectrum of urban cultures. Featuring, from left to right, Rebecca Ostriker (Arts Editor, The Boston Globe), Associate Professor Charles Merzbacher (Film, College of […]

  • Urban Studies Student Spotlight: Noah Gordon

    April 26, 2019
    Noah is a sophomore in CAS majoring in Sociology and minoring in English and Urban Studies. Noah is currently a part of BU's Theatre Group, Wandering Minds. Why did you choose to minor in Urban Studies and how did you hear about the minor? I was always interested in urban planning, urban policy and sociology. […]

  • URBAN Trainee Caroline Fleming Studies Urban Corals Under Stressors

    February 16, 2022
    Watch Video: URBAN Trainee Caroline Fleming Studies Urban Corals Under Stressors Caroline Fleming is a PhD Student in the Department of Biology in the BU Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and the BU URBAN Program. She received a 2021 Early Stage Urban Research Award from the Initiative on Cities (IOC) for her project, “Stress […]

  • URBAN Trainee Ian Smith Studies Urban Tree Water Sources

    February 16, 2022
    Watch Video: URBAN Trainee Ian Smith Studies Urban Tree Water Sources Ian Smith is a PhD student in the Department of Earth and Environment in the BU Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and the BU URBAN Program. He received a 2021 Early Stage Urban Research Award from the Initiative on Cities (IOC) for his […]