The IPP for European Urban Studies is counted among the nationwide network of International PhD Programmes, which, within the framework of the programme "Doctorates at Universities in Germany (PHD)", were endorsed by the German Research Foundation and the German Academic Exchange Service. Supported in years 2002 to 2007, the IPP European Urban Studies is the only IPP in Germany that is dedicated to urban research. It deals with topics that are tested against such current models as the "European City," "Compact City," "Social City," "Net City," or "Zwischenstadt". In this way, the important questions about public space in cities, the relationship between city and countryside, public involvement in urban planning, the multi-functionality of the downtown area and the social integration of the various groups of people living in cities are raised and viewed in a new light by the doctoral projects of the IPP.