Since 1977, IIASA’s annual 3-month Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) offers research opportunities to talented young researchers whose interests correspond with IIASA’s ongoing research on issues of global environmental, economic and social change. From June through August accepted participants work within the Institute’s research programs under the guidance of IIASA scientific staff. Funding is provided through IIASA's National Member
Program Areas
- ADVANCED SYSTEMS Analysis
- Energy
- Evolution and Ecology
- Ecosystem Services and Management
- Mitigation of Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gases
- World Population
- Risk Policy and Vulnerability
- Transitions to New Technologies
- Water
Flagship Projects
- Arctic Futures Initiative
- Tropical Futures Initiative
- Challenges and Opportunities of Economic Integration within European and Eurasian Space
(Contacting the various PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVES is strongly encouraged!)
What to expect from the program
The Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) provides a unique opportunity to:
- advance your research under the direct supervision of an experienced IIASA scientist
- broaden your research interests by working in IIASA’s interdisciplinary and international research environment;
- build contacts with IIASA’s worldwide network and collaborate with the institute during your future career
- produce a paper which will be the first step towards a publishable journal article
Who should apply?
- you are an advanced graduate student (about 2 years prior to receiving a PhD)
- your field is compatible with ongoing research at IIASA
- your would like to explore the policy implications of your work
- applicants from all countries are welcome, although IIASA gives priority to citizens or residents of NMO countries.
How to apply?
Registration for the 2016 program is open now. Closing date is January 11, 2016. Only complete applications received before 24.00 (CET) on January 11, 2016 will be considered.Candidates will be informed about acceptance of their applications by March 11, 2016.
Until this day, 1772 YSSPers from 85 countries have participated in the program.
Conditions of Participation
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Program candidates should meet the following criteria:
- you should have research experience corresponding to a level typical of a researcher about 2 years prior to receiving a PhD or equivalent degree.
- a 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 your choice.
- ability to work independently as well as to interact with other scientists;
- fluency in English and the ability to communicate in a scientific environment; and
- applicants from all countries are welcome. However, IIASA gives priority to citizens or residents of countries in which IIASA has a National Member Organization (NMO)
- applicants 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.
- candidates already holding a PhD degree by application deadline are asked to consider applying to IIASA’s postdoc program.
Selection criteria
- the quality of the proposed research plan, including its relevance to (i) the research agenda of the program selected by the applicant, (ii) the research objectives of the candidate and (iii) the corresponding background and skills of the applicant;
- 2 letters of recommendation.
Scholarships/Funding
Most of IIASA's National Member Organizations (NMO) provide grants to enable young scientists (either their own nationals or foreign students studying in their country) to participate in the YSSP. All successfully selected applicants will receive notification about funding shortly after the evaluation process.
Applicants not eligible for an NMO 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-NMO countries: these are awarded as part of the selection procedure.
Online application
Should you wish to preview all the online application questions, you may view the pdf version here.
Submitting an application
The application process is simple and convenient. It is not necessary to complete the entire application at once; you can always add information and make changes, then leave the site and come back later. 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:
- Step 1: Create a new application
This option allows you to start a new application, and it requires only your name, an Email address and a security question. Your Email allows you to prepare and edit the application.
Until the application deadline you can create a new application, edit an existing application, and submit the completed application to the program. - Step 2: Fill in your application
The application requires filling in a number of boxes that ask you to provide data about your research interests, CV, motivation for applying to the program, and names of two references.
- Step 3: Submit your application
When you submit your application you will receive a confirmation email and further instructions. Once the application is submitted, it cannot be changed.
Reference letters
Applications cannot be considered unless your reference letters have been received. Upon finalization of your application we will send requests for recommendation to the referees proposed by applicants.
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 citizen of or 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 which are not members of IIASA (IIASA’s annual fund; Petr Aven Fellowship for exceptional scientists from Russia).
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.iiasa.ac.at/web/home/education/yssp/about.html