The Howard Raiffa Academy, anchored at the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), is the hub of a global network of researchers, government officials, and decision analysts promoting the application of decision science and negotiation analysis methodologies in the development of solutions to complex, science-intensive policy challenges.
© National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Howard Raiffa
The Academy conducts research, develops methodological toolkits, offers professional development courses, and supports negotiation processes and preparations. It builds on IIASA's world-class research in systems analysis methods and supports the Institute's renewed emphasis on Science Diplomacy.
IIASA and the US non-profit Friends of IIASA (FoI) established the Raiffa Academy in 2026 to honor and build on Professor Raiffa’s legacy in decision sciences, negotiation analysis, and game theory. Howard Raiffa interrupted his career at Harvard Business School to serve as IIASA’s founding Director from 1972 through 1975. According to his daughter, Judy Raiffa, that experience shifted his focus away from theory and towards applying his methodologies to "the complex art and science of getting things done in the real world.”
He envisioned a central role for IIASA in the 21st century and gave Judy a mission that she undertook after his death in 2016: create a program at IIASA aimed at maximizing the impact of IIASA’s work on the problems facing the world. The Raiffa Academy is the culmination of a decade-long effort to realize this vision, initiated and led by Judy Raiffa in partnership with FoI Executive Director Margaret Goud Collins.
The first Raiffa Academy Short Course in July 2026 will equip participants with methods to structure evidence-based decisions and negotiations using decision science, negotiation analysis, game theory, and systems analysis.
What the Raiffa Academy does
- Research: Methods and case studies for decision making and negotiation
- Professional development: Training for scientists and policy practitioners
- Dialogues and events: Facilitates discourse and structured international negotiations
- Fellowships: Early career and senior fellow opportunities
- Global network: Builds a global practitioner network
The Raiffa Academy is integrated across IIASA:
- Advancing Systems Analysis Program (ASA) – provides and guides methodological developments
- Capacity Development and Academic Training Unit (CDAT) – delivers professional development offerings
- Science Diplomacy activities – application to international dialogues
- Other IIASA Research Programs – scientific expertise and support for evidence-based decision making
- IIASA Member Organizations – provide conduits to national and international decision-makers, as well as to their national scientific networks
Together, these components enable integrated research and decision support for the Raiffa Academy.