Exploring new avenues for collaboration with Australian partners

IIASA Director General Hans Joachim Schellnhuber and Deputy Director General Karen Lips briefed Ambassador Biggs on the Institute’s mission, its global research activities, and the long-standing ties between IIASA and Australian partners across areas such as climate, energy, biodiversity, and population research. They also presented an overview of IIASA’s systems analysis approach and its role as a neutral, globally connected research institute dedicated to generating science-based insights for decision makers around the world.

The visit highlighted Australia’s long history of engagement with IIASA, including its term as a Member from 2013 to 2017 and the extensive cooperation that has continued since. Between 2020 and 2024, Australian researchers participated in IIASA programs such as the Young Scientists Summer Program, collaborated on more than 200 coauthored publications, and engaged in joint work on topics ranging from sustainable agriculture and food systems to climate impacts and ecological dynamics. There is significant opportunity to further expand these efforts through bespoke national modeling tools, joint assessments on strategic resource issues, research around topical issues such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and critical minerals, and enhanced partnerships that support both scientific advancement and science diplomacy.

“Australia has been a valued collaborator in advancing systems-based research on global challenges. Today’s discussions reaffirmed our shared commitment to developing integrative scientific insights that can support decision makers in a rapidly changing world,” said Schellnhuber, reflecting on the visit.

“With Australia’s deep expertise in areas such as sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and resource management, there is tremendous opportunity to co-develop models, strengthen research networks, and expand training for early-career scientists. We look forward to exploring new pathways that support both national and global sustainability goals,” noted Lips.

The discussions emphasized a shared interest in expanding future engagement, particularly in areas where Australian institutions and IIASA have already demonstrated strong alignment such as food and land-use systems, climate resilience, demographic analysis, and advanced systems modeling. Both sides expressed enthusiasm for identifying new research avenues and strengthening joint scientific efforts to advance sustainable solutions in the years ahead.