Page - 27 - in options, Volume winter 2017/2018

institute news 27 news at iiasa www.iiasa.ac.at winter 2017/18 ◼ options I n June, IIASA celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP). Over 80 people, including YSSP alumni from 1977 to 2017 attended the event at IIASA in Laxenburg. The two-day program focused on the impact the YSSP has had on alumni careers and how these experiences can be used to shape the future of the program. After introductory remarks by YSSP dean JoAnne Linnerooth Bayer and former IIASA Director Roger Levien, who founded the YSSP, the program made way for some interesting panel discussions, as well as social and networking opportunities. The focus was on themes central to IIASA research: the evolution of climate governance and research; key challenges for social sciences in the context of new technology and old global problems; population projections and why education matters; and living in the age of adaptation. The air was abuzz with new ideas and innovative solutions for global issues. For example, Jeanne Anderer, who worked with the Energy Systems Program at IIASA in 1978 and was the editor of the 1981 book Energy in a Finite World, recalled how the energy group at IIASA applied systems analysis back in the seventies when most researchers were only beginning to understand the benefits of such methods for solving complex problems. She also spoke about the need to use natural resources more judiciously and strategically for a transition of the global energy systems. Another panel spoke about the shift to newer technologies that has taken place in the last couple of decades and hence the expectation of a similar yet more rapid shift in world trade likely to be seen in the next decade. This could mean more sustainable and greener businesses as industries seem to be ready to switch to cleaner technologies, the panelists said. Olha Danylo, a 2012 YSSP fellow and current IIASA researcher, spoke about a citizen-powered app for disaster response. This tool, called Picture Pile, allows people from any part of the world to provide crucial information about a disaster as long as they have access to smartphones and an internet connection. The data provided informs relief or recovery efforts and has wider application for humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross. The sessions ended with Adil Najam, a 1994 YSSPer, now the dean of the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University sharing his views on climate adaptation focusing on climate equity and justice. The anniversary event highlighted the success of the YSSP, which is widely seen as one of the institute’s greatest accomplishments, and the celebration provided a unique opportunity for alumni to network and reconnect. PT 40th anniversary celebrations of the YSSP Further info The IIASA alumni office has produced a YSSP class book, which is available to YSSP alumni. To receive a copy or contribute a page, please contact alumni@iiasa.ac.at www.iiasa.ac.at/events/40yssp YSSP founder Roger Levien takes part in the celebrations along with current organizers of the YSSP.