Area of investment and support

Area of investment and support: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis

International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis aims to find solutions to complex, interconnected global problems through interdisciplinary research underpinned by big data and systems analysis. Research challenges include achieving global food security and moving to sustainable energy systems.

Partners involved:
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

The scope and what we're doing

The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) was established in 1972 as an independent international research organisation based in Austria.

The institute’s interdisciplinary research focuses on finding solutions to the complex, interconnected global problems confronting humanity ranging from achieving global food security to transitioning to sustainable energy systems. Underpinning these studies is big data and systems analysis – one of the few research tools with the breadth and depth to explore complex problems across multiple sectors, countries, and timeframes.

The UK joined in June 2015 and, in 2019, the three research councils agreed funding to continue UK membership for a further five years, covering 2020 to 2024. The first five years of membership increased IIASA and UK links, including through the Young Scientists Summer Programme, and resulted in the NERC and IIASA fellowships scheme. It is expected that the next five years of membership will deliver further increases in partnerships between UK and IIASA researchers.

IIASA have since been awarded eligibility as a co-investigator on NERC, ESRC and EPSRC funding opportunities.

Who to contact

Claire Simmons

Email: claire.simmons@nerc.ukri.org

Telephone: 01793 442587

Mobile: 07704 384120

Governance, management and panels

UK committee members

Sarah Webb, NERC’s Associate Director of International, is the UK council member for the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. She is supported by a UK committee:

  • Professor Jim Hall (University of Oxford)
  • Dr Sarah Webb (NERC)
  • Professor David Fowler for the Royal Society (UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology)
  • Professor Nigel Gilbert for the Royal Academy of Engineering (University of Surrey)
  • Owen Jackson (Government Office for Science)
  • Professor Marina Jirotka (University of Oxford)
  • Dr Rose Cairns (University of Sussex)

Last updated: 28 March 2023

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