Australia has become the newest member nation of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, a group that specialises in the application of advanced systems analysis to examine complex systems, such as energy, water, food, climate change and population growth.

 

Membership of the IIASA will offer Australian research agencies access to networks of national science acadamies, research organisations and networks.

 

In welcoming the announcement, CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Megan Clark said there were significant synergies to be realised bringing together IIASA and CSIRO’s systems science, especially in the areas of water, energy, climate and food.

 

"I am confident that our membership of IIASA will provide a very positive platform to further strengthen Australia’s global connections in these critical areas for humanity,” Dr Clark said.

 

“How effectively we respond to the challenges of, for example, food supply or water management in the Southern Hemisphere requires a deep scientific understanding of the biophysical interdependencies but also the connectivity between environmental, economic and social factors. It also requires that we understand how our region of the world is connected to other regions. Systems science offers the opportunity to understand this complexity and potentially offer options for resolving some of these global challenges.”



IIASA Director and CEO Professor Pavel Kabat said formalising the collaboration between IIASA and Australia through CSIRO would provide a host of benefits.



“IIASA’s expertise in global modeling and international integrated assessments will help to strengthen CSIRO’s already well-established international networks. Similarly, CSIRO’s researchers will bring Australian expertise to the global research questions that IIASA analyses,” Professor Kabat said.



“National Member Organisations, play a significant role in defining the Institute‘s organisational and research strategy. They also play a critical role in building networks between IIASA and the research and policy communities within their respective countries and we look forward to enhancing existing ties and establishing new relationships with Australia.“