How can universities and international research organisations work together to address the complex challenges of a changing world? This question shaped a full day of scientific exchange at the University of Salzburg on 6 October, when the Austrian IIASA Committee met with members of the University community to discuss research, collaboration and opportunities for researchers and students.

The meeting brought together University leadership, established researchers, early-career scientists and Bachelor’s students, as well as members of the Austrian IIASA Committee (at the Austrian Academy of Sciences) and representatives of IIASA, the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis in Laxenburg near Vienna. The programme combined a high-level strategic exchange in the morning with public talks, discussions and networking in the afternoon – creating opportunities to connect people and ideas across disciplines and institutions.

Strategic exchange at the University of Salzburg

The day began with a high-level round-table discussion between representatives of the University of Salzburg and the Austrian IIASA Committee. Rector Bernhard Fügenschuh and Vice-Rector for Research Jutta Horejs-Höck took part in the discussion together with key researchers from interdisciplinary fields at the University and members of the Austrian IIASA Committee, including Christian Koeberl in his capacity as Chair of the Austrian IIASA Committee.

The exchange focused on current activities at IIASA, shared research interests and opportunities for future cooperation. Rather than being limited to a formal presentation, the round table provided space for an open strategic discussion and for identifying areas in which the University of Salzburg and IIASA could further strengthen their links.

A networking lunch continued the exchange in a more informal setting. Researchers and representatives from different disciplines and institutions had the opportunity to continue conversations, make new contacts and explore common interests.

Resilience research, networks and opportunities for young scientists

In the afternoon, the programme moved to the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences (DAS) in Itzling and opened the exchange to a wider University audience. The focus shifted towards resilience research, interdisciplinary approaches and concrete opportunities for researchers and students to engage with IIASA.

The afternoon was opened by Stefan Lang, Dean of the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences, and Christian Koeberl. In his keynote, Dimitris Simos explored the “Frontiers of Resilience”, highlighting the need for research approaches that bring together different perspectives when addressing complex and rapidly changing challenges.

The programme then turned to opportunities for researchers at IIASA. Fabian Wagner, Dean of Capacity Development and Academic Training at IIASA, presented ways in which researchers of all ages and career stages can become involved in the institute’s international activities and benefit from its interdisciplinary research environment.

A perspective from the next generation of researchers was provided by Samantha Knights, Fabian Wagner‘s assistant in IIASA‘s Capacity development and academic training (CDAT) unit and Jennifer Hennenfeind, member of the 2026 YSSP cohort, who was speaking via video message. The presentation offered first-hand insights into the programme and into the experience of working in an international, interdisciplinary research environment.

Strengthening connections between institutions

The event was facilitated through the collaboration of the MATRIS (Mathematics for Testing, Resilience and Information Security) Science Lab and the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences (DAS). Dimitris Simos’ dual role at the University of Salzburg and on the Austrian IIASA Committee also provided an important link between the two institutions and supported the exchange of perspectives throughout the day.

The meeting highlighted the broader network connecting IIASA, the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) and key research units at the University of Salzburg. Such links create opportunities to share expertise across institutional and disciplinary boundaries, develop new research collaborations and make international research opportunities more accessible to scientists and students.

The visit of the Austrian IIASA Committee therefore marked more than a single day of presentations and discussions. It provided a platform for researchers and students to meet representatives of an international research organisation, learn about new opportunities and identify areas of common interest. At the same time, it created space for strategic dialogue about how existing connections can develop into future cooperation.

The University of Salzburg would like to thank all participants, speakers, organisers and members of the Austrian IIASA Committee for contributing to the exchange and for the open and constructive discussions throughout the day. We look forward to continuing the dialogue with IIASA and its partners and to building on the connections established – across disciplines, institutions and generations of researchers.

See more photos in our  Flickr album.