Applications are now open for YSSP 2027
See below for how to apply. Applications to be submitted via Onlyfy
Deadline: 10 January 2027, 23:00 CET
Information Webinars
Information webinars will be offered the following dates:
| November 3 19:00-20:00 CET (intended for North and South American audience) |
| November 4 14:00-15:00 CET (intended for European and African audience) |
| November 10 10:00-11:00 CET (intended for Asian and Oceanic audience) |
You can watch last years webinar to find out more about the YSSP and the application process.
Application critera
We welcome applications from PhD students around the world. You should:
- Be enrolled in a PhD program, ideally within one to two years of completing your degree.
- Propose research that connects with IIASA’s research areas.
- Be able to formulate research questions and work independently, with guidance from a mentor.
- Be interested in interdisciplinary research and the wider relevance of your work.
- Have sufficient proficiency in English to conduct research, discuss your work, and participate fully in the program.
- Be available to participate full-time and in person for the full program period.
YSSP Application Process Step by Step
- Do you meet the application requirements criteria? (see above)
- Is your topic compatible with ongoing IIASA research?
- Read about funding
- Check the information requirements for application submission (see below)
- The YSSP Research Proposal is the most important part of the application.
- Identify which IIASA Research Group is most suitable (you can select two if approprate).
- Look at recent YSSP projects.
- Develop outline proposal ideas for your YSSP Research Proposal
- Make contact with relevant Research Group. Share outline proposal ideas & find out more about the Group's current work areas.
- Write YSSP Research Proposal
- Collate all information and finalise documents.
- Upoad to Onlyfy. Please note that it is not possible to save your progress on Onlyfy. All information and documents must be submitted in one session.
- Application deadline: 10 January 2027, 23:00 CET
Application Information Requirements
Personal Information
- First Name
- Last / Family Name
- Birth date
- Gender
- Citizenship(s)
- Country of Residence
- Are you currently enrolled in a PhD program?
- Title/topic of your PhD thesis
- Five key words related to your research
- Does your research require laboratory facilities? Yes/No
- PhD starting date (DD/MM/YYYY)
- Expected PhD completion date (DD/MM/YYYY) Doctoral degree institution
- Doctoral degree country
- English proficiency level
- Tell us about your Master's Degree – what did you major in? Share the title of your Master's thesis. What particularly interested you about this field of study? (max. 2500 characters)
Research Group Choice
- Select first choice research group for YSSP
- Explain your choice
- Select second choice research group for YSSP
- Explain your choice
Research Proposal
- Title of your proposed research
- Abstract of your proposed research (max. 2500 characters)
- Main research questions and objectives (max. 2500 characters)
- Methods and approach (max. 2500 characters)
- Do you already have your data, or are you in the process of obtaining it? If so, what are the requirements? (max. 2500 characters)
- Innovative aspects (e.g., how is this research original with regards to concepts and methods?) (max. 2500 characters)
- Expected Results and Risks for Success (max. 2500 characters)
Documents
- Upload your CV, Motivation Letter and List of Publications as one single PDF file.
References
- Reference 1 - name, email address, position/title and institution/university
- Reference 1 - name, email address, position/title and institution/university
Tips - Research Proposal
The research proposal should clearly define the 'project' you intend to work on during the 3 month YSSP.
- The project should be compatible with IIASA's research
- The project should be compatible with chosen Research Group's work.
- Contact chosen Research Group to discuss project ideas and identify potential mentors.
- Develop and refine project ideas (if possible, in collaboration with IIASA Research Group contact, potential mentor)
- Project should be achievable within the 3 month YSSP.
- The project may contribute directly to you PhD - for example laying the groundwork for a thesis chapter or research paper, or offer an opportunity to explore a new research direction.