Seite - 28 - in options, Band summer 2020

oday, the world is facing increasingly complex and interconnected problems. These problems require countries to cooperate to find solutions. Systems analysis combines in-depth analysis of each problem along with their dynamic and integrative parts using a variety of tools such as mathematical modeling and scenario assessments. IIASA National Member Organizations build a global network of researchers dedicated to this problem-solving process, in which many people take part: scientists of relevant disciplines, stakeholders, and decision makers. Recognizing the mutual benefits of scientific collaboration in a broad field of activities of global concern and interest, the UK, India, and Slovakia are strengthening and rebuilding research ties with IIASA. CONTINUED UK MEMBERSHIP BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES The three UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) councils that jointly represent the UK membership of IIASA have confirmed funding for a further five years of UK membership of the institute. The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) placed a solution- focused approach at the heart of the country’s strategy to increase interdisciplinary challenge led research. This also brings new opportunities for researchers: NERC, ESRC, and EPSRC have collectively agreed to allow IIASA scientists to apply for funding as co-investigators on proposals led by researchers at UK higher education institutions on calls announced from January 2020. In addition, in 2020 IIASA and NERC awarded three fellowships to support talented early career researchers in delivering challenging research and supporting collaboration between IIASA and the fellows’ UK research organisations. “UKRI welcomes the strong links that have been built with IIASA over the first five years of UK membership and looks forward to continuing a productive relationship over the next five years. The ESRC, EPSRC, and NERC, are keen to facilitate even greater interactions between UK and IIASA researchers,” said Duncan Wingham, Executive Chair of NERC. INDIA AND SLOVAK REPUBLIC REJOIN IIASA Research collaborations between IIASA and India stretch back to the 1970s and continue to bring new insights into the challenges the country and wider region face. This partnership is set to be strengthened and expanded by the country’s membership of IIASA through the Technology Information, Forecasting, and Assessment Council (TIFAC), who will represent India as National Member Organization on the IIASA Council with support from the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India. India’s membership of IIASA will initially be for five years from January 2020 after which it will automatically be renewed. Another returning member is the Slovak Republic, who was a full member of IIASA from 1994 to 2003. The Slovak Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport will be the National Member Organization representing the country’s membership on the IIASA Council and will be supported by a recently established Slovak Committee for Cooperation with IIASA, made up of representatives of the Slovak government and the scholarly community. Solving the world’s most complex problems together: UK, India, and Slovakia renew ties with IIASA IIASA corner INSTITUTE NEWS 28 Options www.iiasa.ac.atSummer 2020