The Pacific Regional Science Conference Organisation (PRSCO), one of the four supra-regional associations under the Regional Science Association International (RSAI), has opened calls for papers for its 29th Pacific Conference, scheduled for 1-3 December 2026 at RMIT University in Melbourne. Jointly organised by the Australia New Zealand Regional Science Association International (ANZRSAI) and PRSCO, the event carries the theme “Prosperous Futures? Contested Knowledge for Sustainable Regions” and invites contributions from academics, researchers and practitioners across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Understanding Regional Science and Its Relevance to Australia
Regional science is an interdisciplinary field that applies economic, geographic, sociological and planning perspectives to understand spatial patterns of development, resource allocation and policy impacts. In Australia, where regional disparities between urban centres and rural or remote areas remain pronounced, the discipline informs critical debates on infrastructure investment, climate adaptation and Indigenous economic participation. RMIT University’s location in Melbourne, a hub for both metropolitan innovation and connections to regional Victoria, positions the institution as an ideal host for exploring these themes.
The Conference Theme and Its Timeliness
The 2026 theme directly engages with pressing national priorities. Australia’s transition to a net-zero economy, the rollout of the National Reconstruction Fund and ongoing discussions around the Uluru Statement from the Heart all require robust, place-based evidence. Contested knowledge—where competing stakeholder perspectives shape policy—lies at the heart of sustainable regional futures. Sessions are expected to examine how different forms of expertise, from Indigenous knowledge systems to quantitative modelling, can be integrated or reconciled.
Submission Opportunities and Formats
PRSCO 2026 welcomes three main formats: individual contributed papers, themed panels and special sessions. Topics may address any aspect of regional science, including but not limited to regional economic development, spatial econometrics, environmental planning, transport and infrastructure, housing markets, and the social dimensions of regional change. The first call for papers PDF is available on the ANZRSAI website, providing detailed guidelines on abstract length, formatting and review processes.
Key Dates and Submission Process
Abstract submission opened in early 2026 and is temporarily closed for initial processing. It will reopen in early June 2026, with a deadline extension noted to 14 May 2026 for the first round of decisions. Researchers are encouraged to monitor the ANZRSAI conference page for updates. Full papers for the Best Paper Award, aimed at early-career regional scientists in the Asia-Pacific, must be presented at the Melbourne event.
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RMIT University’s Role as Host
RMIT has a strong track record in applied research that bridges academia and industry. Its College of Design and Social Context and School of Global, Urban and Social Studies align closely with the conference themes. Hosting PRSCO 2026 strengthens RMIT’s international profile in regional science while offering Australian early-career researchers direct access to global networks without the need for long-haul travel.
Implications for Australian Academics and PhD Candidates
For Australian higher-education professionals, the conference represents a high-visibility platform to showcase work funded by the Australian Research Council or state governments. PhD-track job seekers can use the event to build publication records and professional networks ahead of the competitive 2027 academic job cycle. Administrators may identify emerging research themes that warrant new centres or cross-faculty collaborations.
International Context and Asia-Pacific Linkages
PRSCO conferences have historically strengthened ties between Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian scholars. With RSAI’s global reach, the Melbourne meeting offers Australian researchers pathways to Horizon Europe-associated projects and other international funding schemes. The emphasis on contested knowledge resonates with similar debates in Canada and the United States about inclusive regional policy.
Practical Advice for Prospective Participants
Researchers preparing submissions should ensure abstracts clearly articulate the regional scale of their analysis and its policy relevance. Early-career scholars are advised to consider the Best Paper Award criteria, which prioritise originality and contribution to sustainable regional futures. Networking opportunities at the conference will include dedicated sessions for emerging scholars and industry roundtables.
Broader Impact on Australian Research Culture
Events such as PRSCO 2026 reinforce Australia’s commitment to evidence-informed regional policy at a time when federal and state governments are investing heavily in place-based initiatives. By convening diverse voices, the conference can help surface innovative solutions to challenges ranging from drought resilience in the Murray-Darling Basin to urban sprawl in capital-city fringes.
Looking Ahead: Future Outlook for Regional Science in Australia
As Australia navigates demographic shifts, climate risks and technological disruption, regional science will remain central to national strategy. PRSCO 2026 at RMIT provides an immediate opportunity for the sector to shape that agenda. Interested parties should visit the ANZRSAI website for the latest call-for-papers document and registration details.