The Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) is an international program for doctoral students to undertake a scientific project on a topic related to the IIASA research agenda. The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, and to develop their skills in scientific research, communication, and teamwork.
Each year, IIASA hosts up to 50 doctoral students from around the world in the YSSP. Students are selected on the basis of their academic record, research experience, and letters of recommendation. YSSP participants work on a research project under the direct mentorship of an experienced IIASA scientist. They have access to IIASA’s world-class facilities and resources, and they participate in a variety of workshops and seminars to develop their research and professional skills.
At the end of the summer, YSSP participants present their research findings to their mentors and to their peers. They also write a research paper that is published in the YSSP Proceedings. YSSP graduates have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and government.
The YSSP experience
The YSSP experience is unique in a number of ways. First, it is a truly international program, with participants from all over the world. This provides students with the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with peers from different cultures and backgrounds.
Second, the YSSP is highly interdisciplinary. Students work on projects that span a wide range of disciplines, including environmental science, economics, engineering, and social science. This interdisciplinary approach is essential for solving the complex challenges that the world faces today.
Third, the YSSP is highly collaborative. Students work closely with their mentors, as well as with other YSSP participants and researchers at IIASA. This collaborative environment provides students with the opportunity to learn from others and to develop their teamwork skills.
The YSSP is a prestigious and competitive program that offers doctoral students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. The program provides students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their careers as scientists and researchers.
Location:
AustriaBenefits
- The opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with experienced IIASA scientists.
- Access to IIASA’s world-class facilities and resources.
- Training in research methods, communication, and teamwork.
- The opportunity to present research findings to peers and mentors.
- Publication of research findings in the YSSP Proceedings.
- Networking opportunities with other young scientists and researchers from around the world.
Eligibilities
- Applicants must be advanced PhD students, ideally about two years prior to receiving their PhD.
- Applicants must be working on a topic compatible with ongoing IIASA research, and exploring the policy implications of their work.
- Applicants from all countries are welcome, although IIASA gives priority to citizens or residents of National Member Organizations (NMO) countries.
- Applicants must be able to be present at the IIASA institute in Laxenburg, Austria, for the full duration of the program (no fieldwork or working remotely).
- Applicants must demonstrate written and oral fluency in English and a proven ability to understand complex scientific research.
Application Process
To apply to the IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP), applicants must:
- Check if their topic is compatible with ongoing IIASA research. This can be done by reviewing papers cited in the applicant’s Ph.D. research to date and checking if any IIASA publications have been used. If so, the applicant should identify the research program mentioned in those papers. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with IIASA research programs to better identify which one best suits their Ph.D. topic.
- Establish contact with the respective IIASA program representatives as soon as possible. This can be done by drafting a pre-proposal using the PDF form provided on the YSSP website. Once a draft is complete, the applicant should contact the CDAT representatives of the program of their choice.
- Submit a final application via the online application website by January 12, 2024.
- Be present at the institute in Laxenburg, Austria, for the full duration of the program (no fieldwork or working remotely).
Application Deadline: January 12, 2024
Application ClosedOfficial link
