The 2nd UNIC Thematic Conference titled Institutions in Transition: Justice, Security, and Well-Being in Post-Industrial Cities, will be hosted by Koç University from 17 to 19 June 2026.
Within the context of post-industrial urban transformations, the conference examines how institutions strive to respond to the challenges of growing socio-spatial inequalities, uneven access to health and social care, and the pressures of governing increasingly diverse and superdiverse urban populations, including how everyday encounters with institutions in clinics, schools, welfare offices, neighborhood councils, streets, platforms, and housing systems shape well-being and belonging. From local administrations and public health providers to universities, schools, and civil society organizations, institutions play a critical role in shaping how cities address disparities between neighborhoods, ensure democratic participation in local decision-making, and foster collective well-being.
By focusing on the interplay between institutions and urban change, the conference seeks to explore how institutions can adapt to shifting urban realities and manage tensions between inclusion and exclusion. It aims to foster dialogue on how different actors and governance levels respond to these challenges, and how collaborative and innovative approaches can support urban futures that promote equity and well-being. The event will bring together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to advance transdisciplinary approaches, co-creative methodologies, and policy-relevant research.
We invite multidisciplinary contributions from across, but not limited to, the social sciences, law, health, education, and urban studies.