IIASA has begun accepting applications for YSSP'2012, which starts on June 1st, and finishes on August 31st, 2012.
The deadline for applications for YSSP'2012 passed on January 16, 2012. Please check this site sometime in Autumn 2012 for information about the YSSP'2013.

I would like to encourage you to apply for YSSP, if you are interested in at least one of the following research topics of the  Integrated Modeling Environment (IME)   Project:

1. Structured-modeling methods and tools supporting at least one element of the   modeling process   for complex and/or not well structured problems, specifically:
   • structured modeling, including integration of models, and handling huge amounts of data,
   • uncertainty and robust solutions, including integrated assessment and management of risk, especially temporal and spatial modeling catastrophic events.
   • advanced methods of model analysis, especially:
     • advanced (deterministic) optimization techniques,
     • stochastic optimization, including adaptive Monte Carlo optimization,
     • multicriteria methods of model analysis,
     • using distributed computing (computational Grid) for large sets of computational tasks and/or for solvers exploiting the structure of computational problems,
   • knowledge discovery from data, qualitative models, decision rules, rough sets, fuzzy rules,
   • applications of DBMSs to modeling,
   • multi-agent models.
2. Knowledge creation from, and integration for model-based decision-making support, including:
   • Knowledge management: integration and utilization of tacit knowledge,
   • Knowledge discovery: data mining, text mining, other statistical methods,
   • Knowledge representation: modeling and simulation in general,
   • Knowledge creation: creativity support, awareness support,
   • Knowledge integration; methodology, computer systems,
   • Applications: especially in research management, technology road mapping, environment.
3. Applications of innovative methodologies and tools to analysis of complex real-world problems for the needs of integrated assessment of various policy options aimed at helping to find feasible solutions that fits best the goals specified by the users. Environmental, social, industrial and financial applications are expected, including (but not limited to) policy measures for improving quality of environment, and coping with uncertainty, especially those related to catastrophic events.
4. Software tools supporting development of applications in the above mentioned areas.
5. Developing prototypes for (parts of) decision support systems. The goal of this activity is to gather experience with new decision support methods and tools, and apply them to actual decision problems. related to applied projects at IIASA, primarily involving environmental problems. Depending on the abilities and interests of participants, there are several possible realizations. The methodology may touch upon several aspects of decision support, such as problem specification, data manipulation, integration of rule based and algorithmic approaches, formulation, solution and analysis of a specific type of mathematical programming problem. The idea is to work in a small group consisting of one or two YSSP participants and one or two IIASA staff members.

Priority will be given to candidates, who would like to contribute to either development or use of advanced modeling methodologies or software tools. An ability to cooperate with staff members and other YSSP participants with different backgrounds and researchers from other projects is important. Depending on the topic, the main prerequisite is knowledge of the problem area or of relevant operations research methods. The ideal candidate has a combined knowledge in both areas. Experience in C++, Java, Oracle, Web-based interface, XML, Unix/Linux OS, modeling languages/environments (at least one of these tools/OS), and/or in structured-modeling methodology is strongly desired, but not necessary.

The description of the work done by YSSPers supervised by the IME researchers can be found in:

• Cezary Chudzian, Support of Model Analysis within Structured Modeling Technology,  IR-04-51.pdf,  IR-04-51.ps.
• Bartlomiej Predki, Qualitative Decision Models for Structured Modeling Technology,  IR-04-50.pdf,  IR-04-50.ps.
• Vladimir Moltchanov, Documentation Support for Structured Modeling Technology,  IR-04-52.pdf.

For those not familiar with structured modeling we summarize here the phases of the structured modeling process:

1. selection of a model representation of the problem that fits bests the needs of the user;
2. symbolic model specification;
3. developing and verifying the necessary data (using a DBMS);
4. preparing or adapting tools (solvers) for the model analysis;
5. developing or adapting interfaces between the model and the solvers;
6. verifying and validating the model and solvers;
7. analyzing the model, typically in a loop composed of designing and generating a scenario, solving the model and analyzing solution results;
8. developing, reporting and explaining findings/conclusions/policy implications;
9. documenting the model, data development procedures, and model analysis methods; maintaining, updating, and improving these items for the duration of the study; and, finally,
10. terminating the study with proper attention to archives that invite as much reuse as possible.

Please bear in mind that the competition is hard and only well prepared applications have a good chance to be accepted. Here are the points worth considering:

• Your research proposal (a required element of the application) should clearly specify your research plan for the 3-months YSSP.
• Make sure that your plan corresponds well with the research plans of the project of your first choice (if in doubt, don't hesitate to contact a relevant researcher at IIASA). Justify your plans by a description of your skills and interests that are relevant to your research proposal. Your research during YSSP should also fit well to your academic and/or professional goals.
• Your academic accomplishments and publications relevant to your research plans for YSSP as well as letters of recommendation will also be important elements of the evaluation of your application.

You can find information about IIASA's YSSP and about the application procedure (please do note that the deadline for applications is January 16th, 2012) by clicking   here   (this page includes also the link to an on-line application). Please contact Ms Tanja Huber (huber@iiasa.ac.at), the YSSP Coordinator, if you need more information about the application procedure.

If you are considering applying to YSSP and if you have specific questions related to research that either I or another scientist of the IME Project can supervise during YSSP, then please do not hesitate to contact me:   marek@iiasa.ac.at   to discuss details of your activities to be proposed for YSSP'2010.

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