IIASA welcomes Vice Minister Dong Baotong

The discussions focused on shared research priorities at the interface of science and policy, including pathways to carbon neutrality, air pollution management, energy system transformation, and the use of integrated systems analysis to support evidence‑based decision‑making. These areas closely align with China’s environmental and climate ambitions and reflect IIASA’s long‑standing collaboration with Chinese research institutions and policy partners.

The visit underscored IIASA’s role as a neutral platform for science diplomacy, enabling constructive exchange between researchers and policymakers across national boundaries. Both sides emphasized the value of international scientific cooperation in addressing complex, interconnected challenges that require long-term, systems-based solutions.

“This visit reflects the strong alignment between IIASA’s research and China’s priorities in climate action and environmental sustainability,” said IIASA Director General Hans Joachim (John) Schellnhuber. “At a time of growing global complexity, science-based cooperation and open dialogue are essential for developing solutions that are effective, robust, and globally relevant.”