In October, IIASA welcomed a high-level delegation from the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) for an in-depth exchange on advancing systems analysis and environmental solutions. The visit marked an important step toward strengthening collaboration between IIASA and CRAES on global and regional sustainability challenges.

The delegation engaged with IIASA researchers on topics including powerful modeling tools, interdisciplinary approaches, and policy-relevant research. Presentations from IIASA highlighted work on climate, water, and integrated assessment modeling, while CRAES shared insights into conservation strategies and operational management for the Yangtze River, as well as progress in digital technology-assisted river environment governance.

IIASA Deputy Director General Karen Lips reflected on the discussions: "It was a very interesting exchange, and I was impressed by CRAES’s commitment to the ambitious activities. Their focus on integrated approaches and digital innovation aligns closely with IIASA’s mission to deliver science-based solutions for complex global challenges. This visit reflects IIASA’s commitment to deepening collaboration with our member organizations and fostering partnerships that advance science-based solutions for global environmental challenges.”

The discussions underscored shared priorities in environmental protection, data-driven policy support, and capacity building, laying the groundwork for future joint initiatives. This visit also reinforces IIASA’s strong relationship with its National Member Organization in China, highlighting the value of membership in enabling impactful collaborations and knowledge exchange.

Delegation members in front of IIASA © Baiyin LIU | CRAES

News

Nanjing University visit

06 October 2026

Nanjing University delegation visits IIASA to explore future collaboration

A high-level delegation from Nanjing University (NJU), led by Professor Tan Zhemin, President of NJU and Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, visited IIASA to discuss opportunities for strengthening scientific cooperation and advancing joint research on global challenges.
Group photo of participants at the COP17 side event in Mongolia

22 September 2026

IIASA at UNCCD COP17: Advancing land restoration and resilience

Building on its engagement at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) in Riyadh, IIASA contributed to a series of events and bilateral discussions at UNCCD COP17, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, towards the end of August. Under the theme, Restoring Land, Restoring Hope, COP17 advanced action on land degradation, drought resilience, and sustainable land management, with particular emphasis on rangelands and pastoral livelihoods.
Overshoot Conference

21 August 2026

Overshoot Conference 2026 in Beijing: Abstract Deadline Extended

Taking place 24–25 November 2026 at Tsinghua University in Beijing, the conference is co-hosted by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and Tsinghua University, and will bring together leading researchers, policymakers, innovators, and communicators to advance the global dialogue on overshoot pathways and responses.