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Models, Tools, and Data

IIASA models, tools, and data are developed in collaboration with partners to tackle challenges at global, regional, national, and sub-national levels.

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Read about individual research projects and activities at IIASA.

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Read how IIASA works with research partners across the globe to deliver world-class research.

Science into Policy

Science and policy must work together to achieve a sustainable future for humanity.

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Science can help build trust between nations and support foreign policies.

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Research plan 2021-24

Research Programs

Models, Tools, and Data

Research Projects

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Science into Policy

Distinguished Visiting Fellows

Science Diplomacy

Alpbach-Laxenburg Group

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GROW Observatory App

The GROW Observatory app is a service stemming from the GROW Observatory project, a European Citizen Science project on growing food, soil moisture sensing and land monitoring that ran from 2016-2019.

The GROW Observatory app allows users to explore the Edible Plant Database and get plant information that is tailored to specific locations across Europe. Users can also select plants to grow “right now”, at their respective location.

Detailed information about more than 140 plants is provided, such as plant images and a description of the plants, including special requirements for optimal growing, sunlight or nutrient requirements or the optimum germination temperature, which is the temperature at which seeds will sprout best. Also planting and harvesting dates are provided for each plant, that are location specific and may differ significantly across Europe. The app also provides detailed, science-based information on regenerative growing practices. This includes practices that help improve soils and support the wider ecosystem. Each practice is described in detail and it includes overall benefits of the practice and special considerations to be aware of. It also includes examples and hands-on tips for trying the practice in one’s own garden or food growing plot.

From 2017-2019, the GROW Observatory ran the GROW Changing Climate mission in nine GROW places across Europe. With the GROW Observatory app, mission participants also recorded and shared data about landscape features, soil properties and land management activities linked to a specific location and soil moisture sensor.

They recorded information on - for example - land use and land cover as well as topography of a sensor site. They also took pictures in each cardinal direction and of the sensor on the ground. This additional information was essential for interpreting the soil moisture data from the sensors. During the soil moisture sensing period it was also important to document any management activities undertaken around the senor. Therefore, mission participants were able to continuously record activities such as irrigating, fertilizing, mulching, and others.