Application Deadline: 10 January 2027, 23:00 CET
Applications are now open for the IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program. The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is an independent, international research institute in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria. Since 1977, the YSSP has brought doctoral researchers from around the world together for a summer of discovery, collaboration, and new connections at IIASA.
Over three months, you will work with your IIASA mentor on a research project that opens up new ideas and perspectives. Together, you will shape a focused project that can be accomplished during the summer. It may contribute directly to your PhD—for example, laying the groundwork for a thesis chapter or research paper—or offer an opportunity to explore a new research direction.
Your summer will extend well beyond your own project. Seminars, workshops, and talks will offer opportunities to develop your skills, explore other disciplines, and exchange ideas with fellow researchers. A dedicated social program will help you build friendships and professional connections across your cohort and the institute—relationships that can last long after the summer ends.
Requirements
- Be enrolled in a PhD program, ideally within one to two years of completing your degree.
- Propose research that connects with IIASA’s research areas.
- Be able to formulate research questions and work independently, with guidance from a mentor.
- Be interested in interdisciplinary research and the wider relevance of your work.
- Have sufficient proficiency in English to conduct research, discuss your work, and participate fully in the program.
- Be available to participate full-time and in person for the full program period (3 months, June, July & August)
Benefits
- Academic mentorship: Develop your project with guidance and feedback from IIASA researchers.
- Interdisciplinary perspectives: Exchange ideas with scientists working across disciplines on global challenges.
- Research and professional development: Build your knowledge and skills through the YSSP training program.
- International connections: Become part of a cohort of around 50 doctoral researchers and connect with the wider IIASA community.
Program Details
The YSSP is a three-month mentored research program. It consists of three aspects:
Mentored Research: Over three months, you will work with your IIASA mentor on a research project that opens up new ideas and perspectives. Together, you will shape a focused project that can be accomplished during the summer. It may contribute directly to your PhD—for example, laying the groundwork for a thesis chapter or research paper—or offer an opportunity to explore a new research direction. It is expected that approximately 70% of your YSSP time will be spent on this aspect.
YSSP Training Program – tailored to early career researchers to build their skills and knowledge through seminars, workshops, and talks. It is expected that approximately 20% of your YSSP time will be spent on this aspect.
YSSP social program – helps participants build connections within their cohort and across the institute. It is expected that approximately 10% of your YSSP time will be spent on this aspect.
Where
Participation is in person, at IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria.
Laxenburg can be reached via public transport in 30 minutes from Vienna.
When
- 1 June – 27 August (3 months)
- Note: Above are the program dates (inclusive). You will need to schedule a few days either side of the program to allow for re-allocation to Austria and associated administrative tasks.
Working hours
- The YSSP is a full- time program.
- Participants are expected to be at IIASA during IIASA’s working hours: Monday–Thursday 08:30–17:30, Friday 08:30–15:00
- Home Office: No
Leave
- Particpants are allowed to take 5 days leave.
Working Language
The working language of IIASA is English. Participants must be comfortable working and communicating in English.
Applications do not need to provide proof of their English skills with a certificate –English proficiency will be checked via a short online interview.
Visa
For participants who need a visa to participate in the program. IIASA will inform you of the necessary visa process upon acceptance to the program.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program
