Building on the research previously undertaken in the Ecosystems Services and Management and Water programs, the BNR Program fully exploits the potential for biodiversity research within integrated system analysis. 

The program brings together different elements of land and aquatic ecosystems including agriculture, forests, and fisheries with water and the marine environment to inform global and regional policy assessments and provide robust science-based knowledge and foresight. The program aims to establish IIASA as an international community hub for biosphere research through innovative tool development; to lead the integration of biophysical-economic modeling with governance; to engage with stakeholders; and to facilitate community driven efforts. It provides policymaking support through core program and group research undertaken in the four BNR research groups.

BNR further engages in bilateral collaborations with other research programs and groups at the institute on key cross-cutting themes such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, the green economy, resilient food systems, transboundary governance, resource depletion and migration, and digital transformation. 

Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) 

The Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) at IIASA offers an exceptional opportunity for PhD students to engage in collaborative research with IIASA’s interdisciplinary teams. 

Each summer, participants work on projects closely related to their doctoral research under the guidance of experienced IIASA scientists, contributing to IIASA’s mission of addressing complex global challenges. 

YSSP opportunities in BNR Program        YSSP - Young Scientists Summer Program

Models, tools, datasets

Forestry and logging

Global Forest Model (G4M)

Beautiful view into a nothern europe forest with pine trees on a sunny day

Global Biosphere Management Model (GLOBIOM)

Water Reservoir

Community Water Model (CWatM)

ibis.iSDM

Integrated model for BiodIversity distribution projectionS (ibis.iSDM)

Projects

Wetland calm pond surrounded by golden vegetation and brilliant colors of fall foliage forest

European Union Biodiversity and Climate strategies Assessment (BIOCLIMA)

Chamois picture taken near the Rax

Designing a resilient and coherent Trans-European Network for Nature and People (NaturaConnect)

Pile of wood in forest

Creating leverage to enhance biodiversity outcomes of global biomass trade (CLEVER)

Agriculture tractor

Advancing Capacity and Analytical Tools for Supporting Common Agricultural Policies post 2027 (ACT4CAP2027)

Staff

Placeholder, because no staff image is available

Clara Frezal

Research Scholar (IBF)

Julian Joseph profile picture

Julian Joseph

Research Scholar (WAT)

Jelena Zrno profile picture

Jelena Zrno

Administrative Assistant for Research Program (AFE)

Hao Zhao profile picture

Hao Zhao

Guest Research Scholar (IBF)

News

State of Global Water Resources 2025 report

23 September 2026

Global water report warns of increasingly erratic freshwater conditions

IIASA water-quality modeling has contributed to the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) State of Global Water Resources 2025 report. The assessment shows that the global water cycle is becoming increasingly erratic, with serious implications for people and economies worldwide.
Forest

23 September 2026

Alpine Resilience Web Atlas: New open-source platform features maps of forest disturbance, field stories, living labs and future hotspots

A web atlas at alpineresilience.org gathers the data, models and field experience behind Europe's protective mountain forests – and invites anyone, from a researcher to a regional forester or even a curious hiker, to use it and contribute.
Farm machinery harvesting wheat in the fertile farm fields of Idaho.

25 August 2026

Climate-driven water scarcity increases wheat prices globally

A new study by an international team of researchers connects drought across the world’s wheat-growing regions with global markets and suggests that 3°C of warming could triple average wheat prices relative to 2010.

Focus

Low water level of the Danube river in Budapest at sunrise, island bridge

26 August 2026

When the Rock of Starvation appears: How drought is tightening its grip on the Danube

The reappearance of Budapest's “Rock of Starvation” is a visible sign of a drought months in the making. IIASA researchers have traced its progression from missing rainfall and parched soils to exceptionally low flows across the Danube basin.

Glass Earth globe on a dewy leaf
Annual Report 2025

Annual Report 2025: Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program Highlights

Balancing the needs of people and nature is one of the defining challenges of our time. Throughout 2025, the Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program advanced research on how societies can pursue climate, biodiversity, and development goals while managing growing pressures on land, water, energy, and ecosystems.

Publications