International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) - Young Scientists Summer Program 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 three-month long Young Scientist Summer Program (YSSP). 

The YSSP is designed for advanced PhD students – ideally about two years prior to completing their PhD – working on a topic that is compatible with ongoing research at IIASA and who wish to explore the policy implications of their work. Participants work under the direct mentorship of experienced IIASA scientists in a unique interdisciplinary and international research environment. As part of their participation, YSSP fellows produce a paper serving as the first step towards a publishable journal article, and have the opportunity to build up contacts for future collaboration within the institute's worldwide network.

The 2025 YSSP will run on-site from 2 June to 29 August 2025, and participants will have the opportunity to finalize their research papers in September.

Who should apply?

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.

Applicants can choose to work with up to two programs. We strongly encourage to carefully read through all program descriptions before making your decision.

Applicants from all countries are welcome, although IIASA gives priority to citizens or residents of Member Organizations (MO) countries.

Participation in the YSSP is only possible for one summer (however, you may apply several times) and you will need to be present at the institute (i.e. no fieldwork or working remotely) for the full duration of the program.

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.

What can I expect in terms of cost of living?

Vienna is an expensive place to live. If you have a choice between bringing an item from home or buying it in Vienna, bring it with you. In comparison with the US, only beer is cheaper in Austria. Based on our experience students usually require a total sum of around €5000 - €5500 on average to cover all the living and travel expenses related to their YSSP participation over the whole summer.

Visa requirements

Please note that as a non-EU (EU/EEA/Swiss) resident, you will need to apply for a D-visa. This D-visa will allow you to travel to Austria and to reside here during the YSSP period and will also allow you to travel to other Schengen countries. Accompanying family members will have to apply for C-tourist-visas and will only be able to stay in Austria for up to a maximum of 90 days. Participants from the EU and Switzerland will need to apply for an Aufenthaltsbescheinigung. IMPORTANT: do not start requesting a visa until you have heard back from IIASA that you have successfully been selected to take part in the YSSP. We will initiate contact with the relevant embassy in your country to support you.