Reasons for Giving

My reason for giving is very simple - The YSSP provided me with a platform for my research, as well as my doctorate dissertation. This was my first experience with international scientists, and I had many fruitful discussions, particularly in the area of energy and systems analysis.

Edward Rising
IIASA Alumnus, Human Settlements and Services Program 1982

Reason 1.  IIASA is one of the first candles that was lit, which I believe has helped to light our way to a more peaceful world.

Reason 2.  Where else could you hear a lectures by two Noble Prize winners in one week, and who would take questions from the audience?

Reason 1 is for the world. Reason 2 is for me.

Institute of Power Engineering, Academy of Sciences of Moldova

My participation in 2005 YSSP Program was possible due to support from IIASA National Member Country funding from Germany. Moldova is not a member of IIASA yet, and I was the first scientist from the country to visit IIASA due to support from abroad. Now I feel it is my turn to help others. YSSP gives a possibility to study subjects that have a global impact, and these subjects are difficult to be covered by an individual country, especially a developing country.

Participation in YSSP Program has had a substantial impact on me personally. The Program gives the understanding on how to look globally at the problems while obtaining knowledge from the lectures of top scientists from around the world. Impact on my professional activities was also high. Following the YSSP, I was invited to participate as national expert in many international projects. One of them being the implementation of the Stockholm Convention in Moldova where I work as national expert using the GAINS Model developed by IIASA scientists. Due to this collaboration, I have been able to visit IIASA twice since my YSSP summer and continue to work with former YSSP participants from different years.

I wish the best to all IIASA staff, and of course to all YSSP participants.