The LAMASUS / BrightSpace / Tools4CAP Summer School offers a one-week learning experience on modern econometric, biophysical and land-use modelling. These tools are used to study the effects of European agricultural and climate policies. During the course, IIASA researchers will explain how the models work, how they are used, and what their results mean for policy and research.
What you will learn
During the training, participants will work directly with the LAMASUS Toolbox. They will explore how advanced models help analyse land-use and land-management changes, and how local or farm-level impacts connect to regional, national and EU-level policy objectives. The course also includes practical sessions using the LAMASUS geodatabase and the IIASA Accelerator to study real-world scenarios.
The programme combines interactive lectures with hands-on workshops led by IIASA experts. By the end of the week, participants will have a clearer understanding of which modelling tools are most useful for analysing land-use change, assessing policy impacts, and supporting evidence-based policymaking.
Who can apply?
The Summer School is ideal for PhD students, early-career researchers, policy analysts and advisors who want to deepen their knowledge of land-use modelling and agricultural policy analysis.
Required skills: Basic knowledge of R, Python, or another scientific programming tool is recommended (no coding during sessions, but concepts matter).
How to apply
Applicants are asked to submit a short motivation letter (maximum one page) explaining why they would like to take part, their previous experience with land-use modelling, how the course fits into their current studies or work, and how they plan to use modelling tools in the future. A concise CV of up to two pages should also be included.
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, which will assess eligibility and the potential benefit for each participant. Successful applicants will be notified by 15 March 2026. A maximum of 30 participants will be admitted.
Course fee
The course fee is covered by the LAMASUS, BrightSpace and Tools4CAP projects. The funding covers all training activities, lunches, coffee breaks, and a welcome and final dinner.
Please note: the course fee does not cover travel and transportation, accommodation, other dinners or fees related to visa applications. No scholarship funds are available to support applicants with these fees. The training team will support applicants by providing suggestions and information related to not-covered logistics questions.
Visa requirements
Non-European citizens require a valid VISA to enter Austria. IIASA will support the visa application process with a support letter so that students can complete the visa application. This normally takes up to 8 weeks. IIASA cannot guarantee the visa will be processed in time.
Please note: For Iranian nationals, the Austrian Embassy in Tehran is reopening in November 2025. We anticipate visa applications to experience delays.
Trainers
The course will be taught by experienced scientists from IIASA associated with the LAMASUS, BrightSpace and Tools4CAP projects, who were involved in various EU policy impact assessments including the DG CLIMA impact assessment of 2040 Climate Targets: Securing our future Europe’s 2040 climate target and path to climate neutrality by 2050 by building a sustainable, just and prosperous society.
Researchers include:
- Tamás Krisztin, scientific coordinator LAMASUS, Senior Research Scholar in the Integrated Biosphere Futures (IBF) Research Group, IIASA
- Anastasios Haniotis, Senior Guest Research Scholar at IIASA, Special Advisor for Sustainable Productivity at the Forum for the Future of Agriculture
- Linda See, Principal Research Scholar in the Novel Data Ecosystems for Sustainability Research Group, IIASA
- Leopold Ringwald, Researcher in the IBF Research Group
- Michael Wögerer, Researcher in the IBF Research Group
- Juraj Balkovic, Senior Research Scholar in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Ecosystem Services (AFE) Research Group
- Thomas Oberleitner, Research Scholar in the AFE Research group
- Richard Cornford, Research Scholar in the Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation Research Group, IIASA
- Felicity Addo, Research Scholar in the Integrated Biosphere Futures Research Group, IIASA
- Amanda Palazzo, Senior Research Scholar IBF Research Group
- Stefan Frank, Senior Research Scholar IBF Research Group
About the projects behind the training
- LAMASUS connects EU, national and local decision-makers through a policy evaluation process based on the LAMASUS Toolbox, which provides updated policy pathways and model results.
- BrightSpace supports the European Green Deal by analysing how EU agriculture can stay within a Safe and Just Operating Space while remaining productive and sustainable. It offers projections up to 2050.
- Tools4CAP helps EU Member States design and monitor their CAP Strategic Plans using innovative methods and tools for evidence-based policymaking.