The YSSP is a three-month mentored research program. It consists of three aspects:

Mentored Research: Over three months, you will work with your IIASA mentors on a research project that opens up new ideas and perspectives. Together, you will shape a focused project that can be accomplished during the summer. It may contribute directly to your PhD—for example, laying the groundwork for a thesis chapter or research paper—or offer an opportunity to explore a new research direction. It is expected that approximately 70% of your YSSP time will be spent on this aspect.

YSSP Training Program - tailored to early career researchers to build their skills and knowledge through seminars, workshops, and talks. It is expected that approximately 20% of your YSSP time will be spent on this aspect.

YSSP social program - helps participants build connections within their cohort and across the institute. It is expected that approximately 10% of your YSSP time will be spent on this aspect.

YSSP participants are assigned two supervisors. This:

  • Ensures continuous academic support throughout the summer. IIASA researchers often have commitments that take them away from the institute, such as conferences, fieldwork, project meetings, or annual leave. With two supervisors, you’ll always have someone available to guide your work.
  • Supports interdisciplinary research. If your project spans two research groups or programs, you can have one supervisor from each. This gives you expertise from both areas and helps you build connections across IIASA.

 

Where

Participation is in person, at IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria.

Laxenburg can be reached via public transport in 30 minutes from Vienna.

When

  • 1  June – 27 August (3 months)
  • Note: Above are the program dates (inclusive).  You will need to schedule a few days either side of the program to allow for re-allocation to Austria and associated administrative tasks.

Eligability

  • You must be enrolled in a PhD program
  • You must be enrolled throughout the duration of the YSSP.
  • Applicants who are enrolled in a Phd program at the time of application, but defend their thesis prior to the YSSP starting, or during the YSSP will not be accepted.

Working hours

  • The YSSP is a full- time program.
  • Participants are expected to be at IIASA during IIASA’s working hours: Monday–Thursday 08:30–17:30, Friday 08:30–15:00
  • Home Office: No

Leave

  • Particpants are allowed to take 5 days leave.
  • This can be used to attend a conference or as personal leave.

Working Language

The working language of IIASA is English. Participants must be comfortable working and communicating in English.

Applications do not need to provide proof of their English skills with a certificate –English proficiency will be checked via a short online interview.

Visa

For participants who need a visa to participate in the program. IIASA will inform you of the necessary visa process upon acceptance to the program.

Funding

See our Costs and Funding page.

Costs

IIASA does not charge a tuition fee to participate in the program.

See our Costs and Funding page.

Participants should budget for accommodation, meals, local transport, health insurance, and other personal expenses.