July 15, 2025 by
Department of Geography & Planning
As Meric Gertler concludes his tenure at the University of Toronto as President, the Department of Geography & Planning, in collaboration with the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and University College co-hosted a two-day conference from May 27–28, organized by Harald Bathelt and Gordon Clark.
This conference featured speakers that celebrated Gertler’s scholarly achievements and reflected upon his research partnerships with scholars near and far. The conference program is a fitting tribute to his insights and research that have had significant impacts on economic geography, planning and public policy. We celebrate Gertler's accomplishments and profound imprint and roots as a faculty member within the Department of Geography & Planning and the University of Toronto community.
Meric Gertler’s work has impacted the intellectual journey of generations of scholars in economic geography, planning, innovation studies and related fields, including my very own. He has been a key member of the global economic geography community, making significant contributions which have shaped current thinking in the field. Meric Gertler has greatly influenced ongoing discussions and debates ranging from capitalist economic development to interactive learning, innovation, knowledge creation, urban clustering and policy – all fundamentally related to the role of place ("being there") and space and driven by his passion and enthusiasm for urban life and creativity. - Harald Bathelt
