WCS Science of Cities Symposium

The Science of Cities represents a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to view cities as a system of systems. With emerging technology and big data, new insights supported by scientific principles can provide evidence-based solutions for shaping liveable and sustainable cities.

Inaugurated at the World Cities Summit 2022, the Science of Cities Symposium aims to bring together international academic researchers, urban practitioners and industry experts to share their scientific knowledge, novel research methodologies and insights on tackling current and emerging urban challenges. The Symposium also includes the Science of Cities Poster Exhibition, featuring innovative research projects submitted by the Research Community.

In an era of accelerating urban complexity, cities face unprecedented challenges that demand swift and intelligent responses. From climate change to demographic shifts and resource constraints, urban systems require sophisticated capabilities to adapt and evolve. Cities must continuously develop advanced capacities to sense, analyse, and respond dynamically to citizens' needs. This transformation marks a decisive shift from reactive governance towards data-informed decision-making that anticipates and addresses challenges in real-time. By seamlessly integrating advanced analytics with human-centric design, responsive cities aim to enhance liveability while fostering economic vitality in an era of rapid change.

The Science of Cities Symposium 2026 explores the theme of "Responsive Cities" through two interconnected plenaries focusing on technological innovation and integration in the urban environment, and community impact. The symposium examines how data-driven systems and smart city initiatives can create more adaptable, resilient, and human-centred urban spaces that are not only operationally efficient, but also more liveable and inclusive for everyone.

Our Call for Abstracts opens November 2025. We welcome researchers and practitioners to prepare their submissions. Further details will be shared soon.

Launched in November 2022 by the Centre for Liveable Cities and the World Scientific Publishing Co., the International Journal on Smart and Sustainable Cities is a biannual publication which aims to provide a unique platform for all to freely access global inter-disciplinary research that is at the nexus of urban science and technology, sustainable development, urban planning and resilience, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region. It accepts high-quality research papers, review papers, insights, and opinion from practitioners and policy makers.

To read the past issues and to submit your paper, click here.

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