Institute of Urban and Regional Development

The Institute's activities are aimed at acquiring practical and theoretical knowledge and its dissemination to make cities and regions develop in a sustainable way, creating friendly environment for people and ecosystems now and in the future. Thanks to the broad formula of cooperation with various research centres and entities and by maintaining the inter- and transdisciplinary nature of conducted research, as well as undertaking projects that meet specific social needs (such as the City Observatory), the Institute has achieved the status of an opinion-forming, well recognised expert institution in Poland. Our active involvement in the European research projects (Horizons, ERA-Net Urban Europe) confirms and extends our professional reputation in the EU. We can offer our experience and knowledge in recognising local and regional environment, which leads to better understanding of societal change reflected for instance in spatial disparities, income inequalities, labour churning and employment flows. We are well trained to work with big data bases, we know how to use various research methods (statistical like spatial econometrics, panel data analysis and many others like content or network analysis). Our recent research activities include Citizen Science, city sprawl and shrinking processes, internal and external migrations, revitalisation, climate adaptation and public participation. Achieving the research goals intended for these projects would be impossible without a creative, multidisciplinary approach. This approach is possible only thanks to constant research curiosity, high work culture, teamwork skills and maintaining high quality standards, which we owe.