The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is a scientific research institute located in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 1972, the IIASA conducts policy-oriented research into problems of a global nature that are too large or too complex to be solved by a single country or academic discipline. The IIASA is sponsored by its National Member Organizations in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Its research is independent and completely unconstrained by political or national self-interest. There are currently nine IIASA research programs carrying out research into the dynamics of global change. These programs use holistic approach and effective, interdisciplinary collaborations to identify the multiple solutions needed to bring about a global transformation to true sustainability.
The IIASA is offering opportunities for researchers from the world to participate in this program in form of research program. Throughout the Young Scientists Sumer Program (YSSP), talented young researchers whose interests correspond with the Institute’s ongoing research on issues of global environmental, economic, and social change are invited.
Requirements
The program is designed for PhD students (ideally about 2 years prior to receiving their PhD) working on a topic compatible with ongoing research at IIASA and a wish to explore the policy implications of their work. Participants will be working under the direct supervision of an experienced IIASA scientist in a unique interdisciplinary and international research environment. They will produce a paper (serving as first step towards a publishable journal article) and will get the opportunity to build up contacts for future collaboration with IIASA’s worldwide network. In short, applicants should:
- Have research experience corresponding to a level typical of a researcher about two years prior to receiving a PhD or equivalent degree
- Have summer research proposal that clearly fits the interdisciplinary research agenda of a selected IIASA program; before starting your application we recommend to get in touch with representatives of the program(s) of their choice
- Have ability to work independently as well as to interact with other scientists
- Have fluency in English and the ability to communicate in a scientific environment
- Must commit to staying for the entire program. Up to five days of leave may be approved by supervisors for participation in conferences and/ or for personal reasons.
- Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases
- Advanced Systems Analysis
- Ecosystem Services and Management
- Energy
- Evolution and Ecology
- Risk and Resilience
- Transitions to New Technologies
- Water
- World Population
Most of IIASA’s National Member Organizations (NMOs) provide special grants to enable young scientists (either their own nationals or foreign students studying in their country) to participate in the YSSP. The stipend varies slightly among NMOs, but usually, it is EUR 1310 per month plus airfare. If you are not a citizen of or a resident in an NMO country you must find alternative funds (either from your home institution or other sources) to finance participation. IIASA will finance up to 3 candidates from developing countries that are not members of IIASA (IIASA’s annual fund; Petr Aven Fellowship for exceptional scientists from Russia). IIASA does not charge a tuition fee. In general, participants are expected to cover all expenses associated with their stay (3 months rent; meals; local transportation; expenses for any accompanying dependents; and health insurance) from their NMO grant or their other funding source.
Application ProcessThe applications procedure is done throughout online. The applications should be submitted online. It is not necessary to complete the entire application at once. Before sending your application, you are strongly advised to get in touch with the relevant program representatives to find out about mutual interest in your intended research. The following steps will guide you through the process:
- Create a new application.
- Fill in your application including your data profile, research interests, CV, motivation for applying to the program, and names of two references. Importantly, we will send requests for recommendation to the referees as proposed in your application, but it is definitely worthwhile to follow up with your referees in person.
- Submit your application.