As part of its mission, IIASA provides scientific guidance to policymakers by applying systems analysis to global challenges.
Through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, the Institute delivers independent, robust scientific insights into critical policy issues, supporting informed decision-making on challenges such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development. According to the Overton database, in 2025, IIASA’s research was cited in 973 policy documents across 39 countries, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted source of scientific evidence for policymaking.
From advancing air quality management through the GAINS model to shaping global climate, agriculture, and energy policies and supporting integrated climate-development strategies, IIASA played a critical role in translating complex systems analysis into impactful policy solutions that advance global sustainability goals. Below are selected examples of how IIASA research has informed policies relevant to its Member Organizations.
Informing clean air action in South Asia
IIASA played a key role in advancing air quality management across South Asia through its Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model. Under the Air Quality Management in the Indo‑Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills (IGP‑HF) project, GAINS provided robust analytical and technical foundations for data-driven clean air policies in India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
By integrating emissions data, health impacts, and cost-effective mitigation strategies, GAINS enabled governments to identify priority pollution sources and design targeted interventions. The model directly informed large-scale programs such as India’s Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program, supporting World Bank-backed financing and implementation planning.
Addressing a crisis affecting nearly one billion people and causing around one million premature deaths annually, IIASA’s work has strengthened regional cooperation and policy alignment. By linking science with investment decisions, the GAINS model has accelerated coordinated clean air action, contributing to improved public health, economic resilience, and sustainable development across the region.
Advancing global climate action
In 2025, IIASA contributed to three major international reports advancing climate and environmental policy. Under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution, IIASA supported the development of National Nitrogen Budgets (NNBs), a policy tool to monitor and manage nitrogen pollution. With key input from IIASA researchers, the framework was formally adopted, strengthening countries’ capacity to address interconnected environmental challenges.
IIASA researchers also contributed to the Emissions Gap Report 2025 by the United Nations Environment Programme, highlighting that current climate pledges remain insufficient to meet Paris Agreement goals. IIASA contributions reinforced the need for rapid, equitable transformation.
In Europe, IIASA expertise informed the report on scaling up carbon dioxide removals by the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, guiding policies to responsibly expand carbon removals. Together, these contributions demonstrate IIASA’s impact in translating science into actionable global solutions.
Aligning EU agricultural policy with climate and biodiversity goals
A policy brief from the LAMASUS project highlighted how strategic agricultural de-intensification can deliver significant climate and biodiversity benefits across the EU. With contributions from IIASA researchers, the analysis shows that reducing inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and livestock density in targeted areas could cut agricultural emissions and support ecosystem recovery with limited economic trade-offs.
The study identifies “win-win” areas where action on just 7% of EU agricultural land could reduce emissions by around 12 million tons of CO₂-equivalent annually, while also enhancing biodiversity. IIASA’s work helped pinpoint where these interventions would be most effective and economically viable.
Crucially, the findings reveal that current Common Agricultural Policy funding is not always aligned with high-impact areas. By informing more targeted, results-based approaches, IIASA supports more efficient policy design to advance climate neutrality, biodiversity protection, and sustainable agricultural systems.
Linking climate and development for greater impact
A global report released in September highlighted the potential of aligning climate and sustainable development action, with key contributions from IIASA. The Third Global Report on Climate and SDG Synergies, co-convened by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, shows integrated approaches can improve public spending efficiency by up to 40% while delivering multiple co-benefits. IIASA analyses demonstrate how coordinated policies enhance outcomes across sectors such as health, biodiversity, and urban development.
Building on this integrated perspective, IIASA also advanced policy-relevant research through the ClimMigSEE project. In 2025, the project informed an Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) report on climate, human mobility, and security in South‑Eastern Europe.
The report highlights how climate risks interact with socioeconomic vulnerabilities to shape mobility patterns and calls for coordinated approaches linking adaptation, migration, and security. IIASA led quantitative analysis, scenario development, and stakeholder engagement, supporting evidence-based, regionally coordinated policy responses.
Harnessing AI for Europe’s energy transition
A 2025 policy report by the European Energy Research Alliance highlighted how artificial intelligence can accelerate Europe’s energy transition, with contributions from IIASA and a consortium of leading research institutions. The report provides concrete, actionable recommendations to guide EU policymakers in deploying AI across energy systems while managing associated risks.
IIASA contributed to the analysis underpinning a structured policy framework that emphasizes secure, transparent, and interoperable AI applications aligned with climate goals. Key recommendations include establishing an EU AI in Energy Mission Board, advancing Common European Energy Data Spaces, and integrating sustainability assessments into AI deployment.
The report is designed to inform the EU’s forthcoming strategic roadmap on AI in energy, supporting more coordinated and futureproof policy development. By translating scientific and technical expertise into practical guidance, IIASA and its partners help strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, energy system resilience, and leadership in the global green and digital transitions.