About
The International Conference on Urban Systems offers the opportunity for academic scholars, planners, policymakers, and innovators to explore the multifaceted nature of the urban environment. It is a venue where we will examine the intricate web of relationships, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping our cities.
Cities are ecosystems shaped by layers of infrastructure, social networks, economic forces and ecological environments. In this context, urban systems are best understood as interconnected and evolving networks that require integrated solutions across disciplines.
What distinguishes cities from the non urban world is the tractable role of governance. In that sense, cities are shaped by a diverse but perhaps easier to track array of factors: political agendas, historical legacies, technological advancements, and the challenges of an ever-growing population. This makes urban systems unique from the point of view of decision implementation, but also in their potential to create profound impact—both positive and negative—on the lives of billions of people.
At this conference, we will delve into how cities operate as complex systems, exploring the intersections between people, technology, and the environment. We’ll explore questions such as: How can we design urban spaces that are livable and resilient? What role does information and technology play in optimizing city services? How well can we model the interaction of physical, natural, and human systems? How can cities offer the opportunity to design for equity?
We look forward to seeing you and your work. Submissions will be in the form of extended abstracts (450 words including title and references); accepted contributions will be compiled as a printed volume. Presentations will be done in 10 minutes followed by five minutes of critique and questions.
Venue & Schedule
Technical Program (July 9 & 10) on the campus of New York University
Sessions: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Lunch: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Refreshments (15 minutes): 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Reception: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Excursion (July 11, 2026)
Half or full day at the beach in Sandy Hook National Park (Cost $50, pay at terminal). Departures from Pier 11 (Wall st) or 35th street terminal.
Submit Abstract (Opens September 1, 2015)
Extended abstract (300 words +/- 50 words), received and processed on a rolling basis until capacity is reached. The presenter will be the corresponding author. Click HERE to submit an abstract (opens September 1, 2025).
Registration (Opens September 1, 2025)
Registration will be processed until capacity is reached.
Registration fees
General registration: $275
Student registration: $175
Organization
Conference Chair
Masoud Ghandehari, Professor, NYU School of Engineering
Steering Committee
Jo Ivey Elizabeth Boufford, Professor, NYU School of Global Public Health
Katrina Wyman, Clinical Professor, NYU Law School
Mitchell Joachim, Professor of Practice, NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study
Contact
For further information contact: admin@urbansystems.org