WCS Science of Cities Symposium

Synopsis

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 proactive 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 panels 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.

We cordially invite researchers, academics, practitioners, and policy makers to submit abstracts for presentation at the WCS Science of Cities Symposium 2026 “Responsive Cities”. This edition of the symposium will discuss how technological advancement and data integration may be harnessed to address critical challenges and transform urban environments.

We seek research that advances theoretical understanding whilst demonstrating clear applications for policy and practice. Submissions should bridge scientific innovation with real-world implementation in urban planning, management strategies, and policy-making processes. We particularly welcome submissions that include clear implementation pathways, case studies of successful interventions and partnerships, evaluation frameworks for measuring impact, and methodologies for scaling research outcomes into operational improvements.

Submission Requirements

• All submissions must be completed via the online portal here.
• 300-word abstract presenting research objectives, methodology, key findings, and practical applications or translational impact. Abstract scope must fall within at least one of the conference panel themes and should be formatted using the template below.
• Authors may refer to the Author Checklist below for comprehensive submission guidelines and requirements. 
• Submission deadline: 16 January 2026

Authors whose abstracts are accepted will be invited to present their research at the conference and are expected to register for attendance.

Submissions that do not adhere to the specified template or word limit will not be considered for review.

For enquiries regarding submission requirements or details of the symposium, please contact Mr David Tan David_TW_Tan@mnd.gov.sg or Dr Michelle Cheam at Michelle_Cheam@mnd.gov.sg.

As cities evolve into complex digital ecosystems, the integration of data-driven systems with urban governance has become paramount, representing a fundamental shift from traditional siloed management to interconnected, real-time decision-making systems. Modern cities generate unprecedented volumes of data through sensors, digital services, and citizen interactions, creating opportunities for researchers and agencies to develop innovative approaches to urban management that can anticipate and address challenges before they escalate. This systemic integration enables real-time responsiveness to citizen needs whilst facilitating evidence-based decision-making and optimal resource allocation in urban planning and service delivery.

This panel examines how these systems are reshaping our approach to urban planning and management, and how built environments may dynamically adapt to changing conditions. We invite papers that address:

• Role of Intelligent System Among Systems: What role do data-driven systems play in creating adaptive urban spaces? How can spatial intelligence enhance urban operations and decision-making?


• System Integration and Urban Governance: How can cities build data infrastructure that supports current operations and future needs? How can cities connect disparate data systems to support interoperability across platforms? What are the technical / governance considerations for seamless data sharing whilst maintaining security standards?


• Adaptive Planning and Predictive Analytics: How can built environments become more responsive to changing urban needs? What are the predictive models and real-time analytics used to anticipate urban challenges before they occur?


• Impact of technological advancements: How can we leverage technological capabilities to enhance human-centric design? What approaches ensure that automated systems maintain human oversight and accountability? As cities worldwide grapple with increasing complexity, environmental challenges, and changing social needs, this panel aims to advance our understanding of how data-driven systems can create more responsive, resilient, and human-centred urban environments.

Government agencies implementing smart city initiatives face the critical challenge of ensuring technology serves community needs and strengthens social cohesion rather than creating digital divides or undermining local connections. The measure of success for smart city initiatives lies not in the sophistication of technology deployed, but in how effectively it enhances community resilience, facilitates meaningful social interaction, and improves quality of life for all residents – goals that are especially critical in this era of unprecedented urban challenges. Robust frameworks are required, to evaluate whether technology implementations and investments are delivering social benefits and creating more inclusive, participatory urban governance.

This panel examines how smart city initiatives can be designed and implemented with community interests at their core, exploring the intersection of digital innovation and social sustainability. We invite papers that address:

• Impact of ‘Smart’ Cities: How do digital interventions in urban spaces impact community outcomes? How can we identify and address unintended social consequences of technology deployment?


• Evaluation Frameworks: How do we evaluate the effectiveness of smart city initiatives for community wellbeing and social sustainability?


• Building Social Resilience: How can smart city solutions support communities in identifying, addressing, and monitoring their own urban challenges? What approaches enable government agencies to support community-led problem-solving whilst maintaining appropriate oversight and coordination?


• Fostering Collaborative Ecosystems: How can these solutions enable more effective community participation in urban decision-making processes? How can digital platforms facilitate better collaboration between communities, government, and other urban stakeholders to build social resilience? 

Smart technologies fundamentally reshape community engagement and urban governance. As these solutions proliferate, we need deeper understanding of how this translates into community wellbeing and social resilience. This panel aims to advance our understanding of effective approaches that place community needs at the centre of responsive city development, ensuring technological innovation translates into social sustainability and quality of life.

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