This seminar aims to deepen collaboration between IIASA and Comenius University, building on the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year, and strengthening engagement with the Institute's Slovak National Member Organization. Taking place while applications for the Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) are open, it offers students and faculty a timely opportunity to learn more about IIASA and explore pathways for involvement.
The interactive program will feature short presentations showcasing IIASA research on topics such as carbon farming, biodiversity modeling, and population dynamics, designed to spark ideas for joint initiatives and student participation in IIASA activities, including the YSSP. A panel discussion and networking session will provide space to exchange perspectives, explore joint research opportunities, and connect ahead of a delegation from Comenius University’s planned visit to IIASA in early 2026.
Reflecting IIASA’s interdisciplinary approach to today’s global challenges, discussions will build on themes identified with Comenius University, including biodiversity in urban landscapes and environmental education, bio-corridors for biodiversity in agricultural land, forest and grassland community research, integrated pest management and biopesticides, agroforestry and ecosystem services, nature-based solutions for climate resilience, energy and thermal balance in urban environments, and demographic modeling and geographical research.
Joint Seminar Program
Welcome Remarks
Peter Fedor, CU Faculty of Natural Science Dean
Karen Lips, IIASA Deputy Director General
IIASA and Current Engagements
Karen Lips, IIASA Deputy Director General
IIASA Capacity Development Activities
Fabian Wagner, Capacity Development and Training Dean
IIASA Presentations:
Carbon farming and storage and land-based sector contribution to climate change mitigation by Ratislav Skalsky, Senior Research Scholar
Biodiversity modeling by Martin Jung, Senior Research Scholar
Human population dynamics modeling by Samir KC, Senior Research Scholar
Interactive Panel
Moderated by Fabian Wagner
Upcoming Events
Davos- Switzerland
World Biodiversity Forum: Leading Transformation Together
Hybrid: online and at the Austrian Academy of Sciences
Public lecture: Digitalization and AI within planetary boundaries
Aussois, France
Forest and people: from skyview to local dynamics
Dakar, Senegal
Unleashing Africa’s potential: The role of education
Carcavelos – Portugal
World Congress of Environmental and Resource Economists (WCERE)
University College Dublin (UCD)
Special Issue in Futures and July iEMSs Workshop
Helsinki, Finland
The transformative power of education
Segovia,Spain
Climate Change and Insurance Workshop 2026 (CCI26)
Barcelona, Spain
OEMC Final Global Workshop 2026
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Training workshop: Demographic analysis with applications to aging, health, and education
IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria