IIASA

05/06/2026

IIASA, NewClimate Institute, and the Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Coppe UFRJ) are organizing a side event during the sixty-fourth sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SB 64) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Bringing together researchers and policymakers, the event will examine how global climate goals can be translated into nationally relevant strategies that advance both emissions reductions and sustainable development. The discussion will explore emerging scientific evidence, methodological innovations, and policy perspectives on designing climate pathways that reflect national circumstances while contributing to collective global ambition.

📅 Monday, 8 June
⏰ 16:30
📍Bonn, Germany
ℹ️ https://iiasa.ac.at/events/jun-2026/unfccc-sb-64-side-event-from-global-benchmarks-to-national-pathways-advancing

05/06/2026

🇬🇷 IIASA is excited to announce that Greece has joined the Institute effective from 1 June 2026 through the Academy of Athens, Greece’s national academy and the highest research establishment in the country.

“From the time of Plato and Aristotle, Greek thought helped establish the enduring nexus between philosophy, science, and public decision-making that continues to shape how societies understand and address complex challenges,” says IIASA Director General Hans Joachim (John) Schellnhuber. “As the IIASA National Member Organization, the Academy of Athens will contribute outstanding scientific expertise, a strong science-policy mandate, and deep knowledge of the Mediterranean region. We are delighted to welcome Greece into the IIASA network and look forward to deepening our partnership in areas ranging from climate resilience and energy systems to sustainable development and digital transformation.”

Read more 👉

IIASA is excited to announce that Greece has joined the Institute effective from 1 June 2026 through the Academy of Athens, Greece’s national academy and the highest research establishment in the country.

03/06/2026

🌱 Welcome to the 2026 IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program cohort!

This week, 53 talented PhD students from around the world arrived in Laxenburg to begin their YSSP journey. Over the coming months, they will collaborate, learn, and advance research on some of society’s most pressing challenges.

Inspired by new ideas, connections, and systems thinking, we hope your time at IIASA sparks creativity, meaningful discoveries, and lasting collaborations.

Wishing you an inspiring summer as you help move sustainable research forward and contribute to a more sustainable future. 🌍 ✨

Read more about this year's participants: https://iiasa.ac.at/capacity-development/yssp-young-scientists-summer-program/yssp-current-participants-and-past

02/06/2026

📢 Don't miss tomorrow's installment of the IIASA AI for Climate Science Seminar Series!

Join us for the session titled: How much climate data do we need? Machine learning approaches for evaluating high-resolution climate models, featuring Aiko Voigt and Maximilian Meindl from the University of Vienna (Universität Wien).

As kilometer-scale climate models generate increasingly large datasets, traditional evaluation methods are becoming more challenging to apply. This seminar will explore how machine learning approaches can help assess high-resolution climate models using shorter periods of climate data and reveal new insights into model performance.

🗓️ Wednesday, 3 June 2026
⏰ 14:00–15:30 CEST
✍️ Register to attend and more info: https://iiasa.ac.at/events/jun-2026/ai-for-climate-science-seminar-series-how-much-climate-data-do-we-need-machine

02/06/2026

Climate change affects more than the environment - it also shapes the social conditions in which young people live.

A new study by IIASA and Oxford University Social Policy and Intervention provides the first quantitative evidence linking drought exposure to increased risks of sexual, emotional, and physical violence among adolescents in Southern Africa.

Drawing on data from more than 20,000 adolescents in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho, the research shows that these risks are highest for girls and young women, older adolescents, and those living in rural areas.

As droughts become more frequent and severe, the findings highlight the need to integrate adolescent protection and violence prevention into climate adaptation and resilience strategies.

Read more: https://iiasa.ac.at/news/jun-2026/climate-driven-drought-linked-to-rising-violence-among-adolescents-in-southern-africa

29/05/2026

Job Opportunity: Program and Project Officer – Citizen Science Global Partnership (CSGP)

As the founding host institution of CSGP, IIASA is pleased to share this exciting career opportunity on CSGP’s behalf.

📍 Location: Laxenburg, Austria (based at IIASA premises)
🕒 Employment: Full-time or part-time
📌 Please note: This is a CSGP position, not an IIASA appointment. The successful candidate will be employed by and report directly to CSGP.

CSGP is seeking a Program and Project Officer to support international projects, research, and network development at the forefront of citizen science.
This is an opportunity to work closely with a global community of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers advancing citizen science for sustainable development.

In this role, you will:
• Contribute to EU-funded projects on biodiversity and plastic pollution
• Work with partners across science, policy, and civil society worldwide
• Support research, project delivery, communications, and events
• Help grow a global network advancing citizen science for sustainable development
We're looking for someone with project management experience, strong organizational skills, professional German proficiency, and an interest in citizen science.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://iiasa.ac.at/employment/external-job-opportunities

28/05/2026

IIASA recently welcomed Dame Julie Maxton, Executive Director of The Royal Society, to Schloss Laxenburg for discussions on science diplomacy, international cooperation, and strengthening collaboration between our institutions.

The Royal Society and IIASA share a long history dating back to 1972, when IIASA’s founding principles were signed at the Royal Society’s offices in London. The visit reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing science-based solutions to global challenges through international collaboration.

Read more 👉 https://iiasa.ac.at/news/may-2026/iiasa-welcomes-royal-society-executive-director-dame-julie-maxton
UK Research and Innovation

27/05/2026

Can temporary carbon storage play a meaningful role in climate action?

A new study published in Nature and led by researchers from IIASA and international partners shows that while temporary carbon dioxide removal (CDR) cannot fully offset CO₂ emissions, it may help compensate for short-lived climate pollutants such as methane, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors like agriculture.

The research provides a physics-based framework for understanding where temporary carbon storage can support climate goals, while emphasizing that it should complement, rather than replace, direct emissions reductions.

“Not all greenhouse gases behave the same way, and not all carbon storage needs to be permanent to be genuinely useful,” says IIASA researcher Thomas Gasser. “Temporary CDR has real climate value, but only when it is matched to the right type of emissions.”

Read more 👉 https://iiasa.ac.at/news/may-2026/temporary-carbon-removal-could-help-support-climate-goals

Authors: Yue He, Keywan Riahi. Matthew GIDDEN, shilong piao, Tao Wang, Thomas Gasser

Peking University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Maryland

Persistent methane emissions from sectors such as agriculture and growing debates over the credibility of carbon offsets are creating new challenges for governments and companies pursuing net-zero commitments. New research suggests temporary carbon storage may have a scientifically valid role in hel...

27/05/2026

: The Horizon Europe CHOICE project recently showcased two interactive simulation tools making food-system and climate modeling more accessible to policymakers, stakeholders, and non-expert users. 🌍🌱

During the webinar, participants explored how dietary shifts, food waste reduction, behavioral change, and land-use decisions can shape sustainability outcomes using the FELiX ISE and FABLE ISE platforms.

From live demos to hands-on exercises, the session highlighted how interactive modeling can help turn complex data into actionable insights for sustainable food futures.

🎥 Webinar recording and tools are now available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF5aq92PBTU

22/05/2026

🌍 The IIASA project SPARCCLE is part of 2026!

Join us for the online webinar “Climate Risks and Biodiversity for European Resilience and a Nature-Positive Economy"
📅 9 June 2025
⏰ 10:30–12:00 CEST

Experts from the Horizon Europe projects SPARCCLE, CROSSEU, and ACCREU will explore how biodiversity loss and climate risks impact Europe’s economy, resilience, and future policymaking. The discussion will highlight the links between climate adaptation, nature-positive strategies, and financial stability.

The session will be moderated by Edward Byers, SPARCCLE lead coordinator.
Speakers include:
• Andrej Ceglar (European Central Bank)
• Zoi Vrontisi (E3Modelling, SPARCCLE project)
• Kirsten Halsnæs (Danmarks Tekniske Universitet - DTU, CROSSEU project)
• Gemma Ge**er (IIASA, ACCREU project)

More information and registration: https://iiasa.ac.at/events/jun-2026/eu-green-week-2026-climate-risks-and-biodiversity-for-european-resilience-and