Celebrating 80 years, the European Forum Alpbach brings together young leaders, innovators, and experts from around the world to drive ideas for a strong and democratic Europe. This year's theme is "Recharging Europe" - IIASA is proud to join as a reporting partner to share insights on science, innovation, and climate action.

For two weeks, the mountain village of Alpbach becomes an international hub for those shaping Europe’s future. The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) provides a unique space for reflection, dialogue, and action, bringing together young leaders from across Europe and beyond with innovators from politics, business, civil society, culture, and science. This diverse, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary community inspires new ideas, influences decision-makers, and fosters collaboration to create concrete solutions for a strong and democratic Europe.

Featured IIASA session

Knowledge Without Borders: Turning Openness into Climate Leadership

In this session, IIASA Deputy Director General Karen Lips will explore Global Climate Science Diplomacy and how shared scientific knowledge can:

  • build trust and ease geopolitical tensions.

  • catalyze climate action through real examples of cross-border cooperation.

  • position Europe as a credible global actor through its commitment to open knowledge and democratic values.

  • bridge Global North–South partnerships to advance climate action.

Climate action demands openness - in science, education, and data. Discover how Europe’s “Fifth Freedom,” the free movement of knowledge and talent, can transform responsible openness into a global competitive advantage, driving resilience, innovation, and prosperity.

As a reporting partner, IIASA will highlight the insights, outcomes, and key lessons from these sessions, providing a detailed account of how responsible openness in science, education, and data drives climate action, innovation, and European leadership - watch this space! 

Upcoming Events

Antalya, Türkiye

IIASA at the UN Climate Change Conference

COP31 Cryosphere Pavilion, Blue Zone

SPARCCLE, ACCREU and CROSSEU to Organise a Side Event at COP31

Austrian Academy of Sciences, Festive Hall, Dr. Ignaz Seipel-Platz 2, 1010 Vienna

On a Collision Course in Orbit: Who Bears Responsibility for Space Debris?

Beijing, China

Overshoot Conference 2026

Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), Seminar Room 1, Bäckerstraße 13, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Citizen Science and Remote Sensing for Forest Monitoring

IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria

GAINS Model Workshop