Applications are now open for the IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program 2027, a three-month mentored research training hosted by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria. Since 1977, the programme has brought doctoral researchers from around the world together for a summer of discovery, collaboration and new connections. Selected participants work with an IIASA mentor on a focused research project that can contribute directly to their PhD or open a new research direction.
Complete guide to the IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program 2027, covering programme details, eligibility requirements, benefits, research areas, working conditions, application process and important dates.
Quick Highlights
Parameter
Details
Organization
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Position
Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) participant
Job Type
Full-time, in-person, three-month mentored research programme
Location
IIASA, Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria
Eligibility
Enrolled in a PhD program, ideally within one to two years of completing the degree
Experience Required
Ability to formulate research questions and work independently with mentor guidance
Sector
Interdisciplinary research on global challenges
Preferred Applicants
Doctoral researchers whose proposed research connects with IIASA's research areas
Working Language
English
Application Method
Online application via the official IIASA YSSP webpage
IIASA is an independent, international research institute located in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria. The YSSP has run since 1977, bringing doctoral researchers together each summer for mentored research, skills training and international networking.
Area
Details
Institute Type
Independent, international research institute
Location
Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria
Programme
Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP)
YSSP Running Since
1977
Cohort Size
Around 50 doctoral researchers
Research Areas
IIASA's research areas (see official programmes page)
Host Country
Austria
Key Responsibilities
Responsibility
Details
Mentored Research
Work with your IIASA mentor over three months to shape and deliver a focused research project that can contribute to your PhD, such as a thesis chapter or research paper, or explore a new research direction. About 70% of YSSP time is expected to be spent on this.
YSSP Training Program
Build skills and knowledge through seminars, workshops and talks tailored to early career researchers. About 20% of YSSP time is expected to be spent on this.
YSSP Social Program
Build friendships and professional connections within your cohort and across the institute. About 10% of YSSP time is expected to be spent on this.
Full-Time Participation
Be available to participate full-time and in person for the full three-month programme period (June, July and August).
Working Hours
Be present at IIASA during working hours: Monday–Thursday 08:30–17:30 and Friday 08:30–15:00. Home office is not available.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Requirement
Details
PhD Enrolment
Be enrolled in a PhD program, ideally within one to two years of completing your degree.
Research Alignment
Propose research that connects with IIASA's research areas.
Independent Research
Be able to formulate research questions and work independently, with guidance from a mentor.
Interdisciplinary Interest
Be interested in interdisciplinary research and the wider relevance of your work.
English Proficiency
Have sufficient proficiency in English to conduct research, discuss your work and participate fully in the programme.
Availability
Be available to participate full-time and in person for the full programme period (3 months, June, July & August).
Additional Skills That Strengthen an Application
Skill
Details
Research Question Formulation
Ability to frame clear, focused research questions that fit a three-month project timeline.
Independent Working
Capacity to progress research with mentor guidance rather than close supervision.
Interdisciplinary Thinking
Interest in exchanging ideas with scientists working across disciplines on global challenges.
English Communication
Comfort working and communicating in English; proficiency is checked via a short online interview, no certificate required.
Research Alignment
A proposed project that clearly connects with IIASA's research areas.
Who Should Apply
Background
Details
Enrolled PhD researchers
Yes
Doctoral researchers within one to two years of completing their degree
Priority consideration
Researchers whose projects connect with IIASA's research areas
Priority consideration
Candidates interested in interdisciplinary research on global challenges
Yes
Researchers able to participate full-time and in person in Austria for three months
Yes
Salary and Employment Benefits
Detail
Information
Academic Mentorship
Develop your project with guidance and feedback from IIASA researchers.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Exchange ideas with scientists working across disciplines on global challenges.
Research and Professional Development
Build your knowledge and skills through the YSSP training program.
International Connections
Become part of a cohort of around 50 doctoral researchers and connect with the wider IIASA community.
Social Program
A dedicated social program helps build friendships and professional connections across the cohort and institute.
Leave
Participants are allowed to take 5 days leave.
Visa Support
IIASA will inform you of the necessary visa process upon acceptance to the programme.
Salary
Not specified
Programme Details and Schedule
Parameter
Details
Programme Type
Three-month mentored research programme
Duration
1 June – 27 August (3 months)
Program Dates Note
Dates are inclusive; schedule a few days either side of the programme for relocation to Austria and associated administrative tasks.
Mentored Research Share
Approximately 70% of YSSP time
Training Program Share
Approximately 20% of YSSP time
Social Program Share
Approximately 10% of YSSP time
Working Hours
Monday–Thursday 08:30–17:30; Friday 08:30–15:00
Home Office
No
Leave Allowed
5 days
Working Language
English
Location
In person at IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria
Transport
Laxenburg can be reached via public transport in 30 minutes from Vienna
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Check that you meet the eligibility requirements, including PhD enrolment and research alignment with IIASA's research areas.
2
Prepare a focused research project proposal that connects with IIASA's research areas and can be accomplished during the summer.
3
Submit your application through the official IIASA YSSP webpage before the deadline.
4
Note that no English certificate is required at application; English proficiency is checked via a short online interview.
5
Submit your application by 10 January 2027, 23:00 CET.
6
If accepted, follow the visa process information shared by IIASA upon acceptance and plan travel and relocation around the programme dates.
Important Links (Direct URLs)
Description
URL
IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program official webpage
It is a place in the IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP), a three-month mentored research programme for doctoral researchers.
Q2. Where will the programme take place?
In person at IIASA in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria, which is reachable via public transport in 30 minutes from Vienna.
Q3. What are the programme dates?
1 June – 27 August (3 months); these dates are inclusive, so plan a few days either side for relocation and administrative tasks.
Q4. Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates enrolled in a PhD program, ideally within one to two years of completing their degree, whose proposed research connects with IIASA's research areas.
Q5. Do I need an English language certificate?
No. English proficiency is checked via a short online interview, and no certificate is required at application.
Q6. What are the benefits?
Academic mentorship, interdisciplinary perspectives, research and professional development through the YSSP training program, and international connections with a cohort of around 50 doctoral researchers.
Q7. Is the programme full-time?
Yes, it is a full-time, in-person programme with no home office option, and participants may take 5 days leave.
Q8. How is YSSP time allocated?
About 70% on mentored research, about 20% on the training program, and about 10% on the social program.
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