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IIASA corner Written by: Sandra Ortellado Diana Ürge-Vorsatz Eight years ago, Diana Ürge-Vorsatz was a researcher at IIASA. Today, she is a professor of environmental sciences and policy at the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, where she previously directed the Center for Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Policy for ten years. Reflecting on her long and successful career, Ürge- Vorsatz’s advice for today’s young scientists is to focus on making an impact instead of worrying about how those in their immediate environment appreciates their work. “Real impact and appreciation often comes later,” she says. Originally from Budapest, Ürge-Vorsatz earned a PhD in environmental science and engineering at the University of California before becoming involved in the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2002. In 2007, the IPCC’s activities were recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize. Recognition of Ürge-Vorsatz’s achievements continued in the following years when she was awarded the Medium Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary for her scientific work in 2008, and received the “Role Model” award in 2009. The mother of seven is an equally accomplished scientist and leader. Having published widely on energy efficiency and sustainable energy policy, she is now serving as the associate editor of the Springer journal Energy Efficiency and is a member of the editorial board of Annual Reviews of Environment and Resources. Still, balancing a career and family life is no easy task says Ürge-Vorsatz, who admits that there are constant sacrifices as well as rewards in both areas. “I still feel the joys and rewards on both sides are much bigger than the sacrifices,” she says. Most recently, Ürge-Vorsatz was selected as the European climate science expert for Al Gore’s Climate Reality Leadership Corps event in Berlin, the first such training event in Europe in five years. Afterwards, she returned to IIASA for a seminar on disruptive urban energy solutions and their interactions with other societal goals hosted by the IIASA Women in Science Club. “I find it especially rewarding to work with talented women,” says Ürge- Vorsatz. “Women can be exceptionally self-motivated and dedicated, and I admire many of my colleagues who possess outstanding stamina and resilience combined with talent and commitment.” © MarcoIlluminati | OECD WHERE ARE THEY NOW Share your story with us at: alumni@iiasa.ac.at Our “Alumni Stories” page includes anecdotes from alumni on the signing of the IIASA charter, memories shared by employee #1 and #18, how the first permanent computer network between the East and the West was established, stories by former directors, alumni memoirs, and more. www.iiasa.ac.at/Alumni Access a global interdisciplinary research network Benefit by sharing your research, conference calls, and professional opportunities Connect with others in the IIASA network within member countries Mentor early career scientists and make an impact CONNECT WITH FELLOW IIASA ALUMNI 29www.iiasa.ac.at OptionsWinter 2018/19