In May, IIASA proudly welcomed alumni of its former Resources and Environment Area (REN) and Environment Program (ENV) who worked at the institute in the 1970s and 1980s.
The IIASA Resources and Environment Area/Environment Program (REN/ENV) 1970s/1980s reunion took place on 12 May 2023, marking the 50th Anniversary of the institute’s founding. The event brought together former staff members, friends, and scientists in a heartfelt commemoration. Led by Martin Parry, a distinguished researcher and key contributor to the IIASA REN and EV programs, along with Jesse Ausubel, Walter Foith, JoAnne Linnerooth-Bayer, and Elisabeth Jaklitsch, the reunion aimed to create a meaningful platform for reflection and reconnection among alumni. Through their collaborative efforts, they surpassed all expectations, resulting in a truly remarkable event.
Participants shared memories of their past experiences and contemplated the enduring impact of their research and collaboration. The agenda was carefully designed to foster conversation and knowledge sharing, in the process reigniting old friendships and forging new connections. The atmosphere was permeated with joy and nostalgia as attendees recaptured the pivotal moments that had shaped their careers and contributed to the advancement of their research fields.
In light of the reunion’s success, IIASA remains committed to supporting or organizing similar reunions for other alumni programs. Alumni interested in organizing future reunions are encouraged to reach out to Monika Bauer or Cherry Edwards at IIASA for further information.
News
23 April 2024
US Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna visits IIASA
H.E. Ambassador Laura Holgate, US Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, met with IIASA Director General John Schellnhuber to discuss advancing collaboration on leveraging systems analysis for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The visit strengthened ties between IIASA and the US, emphasizing a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange for informed decision making.
13 September 2023
FLAM Sparks Interest and Conversation at the 2023 IBFRA Conference in Helsinki
Boreal forests often bring to mind a winter wonderland: spruce and pine forests as far as the eye can see, fluffy snow dotted with reindeer beneath a nighttime sky brightened by the aurora borealis. Climate change threatens this fragile, pristine habitat that spans 8 countries in the far north. Now boreal forests are associated not just with snowy landscapes, they are becoming synonymous with raging wildfires and massive plumes of smoke, such as those found currently in Canada.
Mitigating the threats posed by climate change in this unique ecosystem and discussing the most recent boreal-related research is the focus of the International Boreal Forest Association conference. Organized in large part by IIASA’s own Florian Kraxner, IBFRA 2023 was held in Helsinki, Finland, where researchers from around the globe gathered to discuss recent findings, foster new connections, and contribute to a plan of attack to save boreal forests as we know them.
13 July 2023
IIASA at the United Nations High-level Political Forum in New York
The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2023 kicked off at the UN Headquarters in New York this week. IIASA is involved in several capacities at this international conference to support policymakers in countries around the world with science-based inputs to help them develop effective policies to address the interconnected global challenges and opportunities society faces today.