Apply Now: IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) 2025

Every summer since 1977, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) has hosted up to 50 doctoral students from around the world in its Young Scientist Summer Program (YSSP). YSSP fellows undertake a scientific project within the scope of their PhD on a topic related to the IIASA research agenda. The program runs from June to August at IIASA in Laxenburg, Austria, and participants have the opportunity to finalize their research papers from home in September.

The program is designed for advanced Ph.D. students working on a topic compatible with ongoing research at IIASA and wish to explore the policy implications of their work. Participants will be working under the direct mentorship of an experienced IIASA scientist in a unique interdisciplinary and international research environment. They will produce a paper (serving as a first step towards a publishable journal article) and get the opportunity to foster contacts for future collaboration within the institute’s worldwide network.

• Table of Content
• About International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
• IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP)
• Aim and Benefits of IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP)
• Requirements for IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)

The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is an independent, international research institute with National Member Organizations in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. IIASA in other to address issues too large or complex to be solved by a single country or academic discipline has put together the Young Scientists Summer Program to train and equip young scientists in the field of applied systems analysis. Such challenges as climate change, biodiversity, energy security, and sustainable development, must be solved by international cooperation.... read more... continue reading

IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP)

Aim and Benefits of IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP)

Member Organisation (MO) Fellowships

Most of the institute’s Member Organizations (MOs) provide special grants to enable young scientists (either their own nationals or foreign students studying in their country) to  participate in the YSSP. Note: only limited slots available so there is a chance that selected candidates will not get funding from a MO due to high demand.

The stipend varies slightly among MOs, but usually it is € 1700 per month plus airfare. If you are not citizen of or resident in an MO country you must find alternative funds (either from your home institution or other sources) to finance participation.  

Special Fellowships

Applicants not eligible for an MO scholarship must find alternative funds from their home institution or other sources to finance their participation. IIASA has limited funds for exceptional applicants from non-MO countries. These are awarded as part of the selection procedure.

Requirements for IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) Qualification

• You are an advanced graduate student, ideally 1-2 years from PhD degree.
• Your field of study complements research at IIASA (see below for some guidance)
• You are interested in interdisciplinary research.
• You would like to apply your research to global challenges facing society.
• Your research and career would benefit from working alongside 50 young scientists, as well as senior researchers, from around the world.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit IIASA website.