IIASA offers opportunities for analysing global challenges with top-tier experts

In an increasingly complex world and amid a flood of information, we need scientists who actively seek solutions to understand global trends and their interconnections together with policymakers. The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) addresses this need. For Finnish researchers, IIASA offers partnerships, networking opportunities and access to extensive international projects.

Global challenges are increasing in number and becoming more complex. At the same time, the amount of data continues to grow exponentially; data volumes and computing capacity double every year or two. Computational research is developing rapidly. Computational research refers to research that makes use of computers, mathematical models, artificial intelligence, machine learning and simulations to understand, predict and solve complex phenomena.

Political models, such as agreements, as well as approaches to scientific research, are also becoming increasingly broad-based, international and interdisciplinary – a development that is particularly necessary if you want to tackle global challenges.

The need for broad-based and international cooperation

In an increasingly complex world and amid a flood of information, we need scientists who actively seek solutions to understand global trends and their interconnections together with policymakers. There is a growing need for analytical and data-based expertise, and the opportunities to apply this expertise are expanding rapidly.

Since 1972, IIASA, located near Vienna, Austria, has provided international and national policymakers with research-based knowledge to solve common problems of humanity based on analyses of global phenomena and challenges.

IIASA is known as a leading centre for research on climate change, sustainable use of natural resources, biodiversity, demography and industrial material flows, for example. IIASA is a key source of analyses for many UN agencies and the IPCC. IIASA membership is truly global, including many European countries, the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Israel and Iran. 18 countries from southern Africa are represented based on a joint representation.

IIASA is not only a research centre but also a central meeting point and a focal point for research networks. At IIASA, several generations of researchers have found their way to the top of their field and, together, have learned to analyse complex problems to support policy. IIASA effectively connects research institutions, universities, international organisations and other actors.

Active training and networking

International networks and researcher training are central to IIASA's work. IIASA actively organises events, conferences and training where participants can network with IIASA researchers and partners. IIASA is an excellent partner in the formation of research consortia, for example, for EU framework programme calls. It coordinates large consortia and has extensive networks. An example of cooperation between IIASA and Finnish researchers is the EU-funded ALFAwetlands project, coordinated by Natural Resources Institute Finland, which investigates the restoration of wetlands to mitigate climate change and improve biodiversity. The Finnish Meteorological Institute is also involved.

Many Finns have made use of the learning opportunities offered by IIASA, such as summer programmes for doctoral students, summer schools for early-career researchers and postdoctoral programmes that open up a wide range of international channels. Access to extensive international projects and training by leading experts has been invaluable to many.

Finland has been a IIASA member for 50 years. For researchers, universities and research institutions in a small country such as Finland, IIASA and the institute’s research volume, first-class networks and access to the core of international policy support has been a valuable opportunity.

Finland is represented in IIASA by a dedicated IIASA committee with support from the Research Council of Finland.