Research and innovation are key elements for a more sustainable development of the Alps. Young scientists and researchers play a crucial role in this, helping to shape the future of this unique mountain environment. The Young Academics Award recognises this role by rewarding outstanding master’s theses on relevant Alpine topics.
We are delighted to inform you that the Alpine Convention and the International Scientific Committee on Research in the Alps (ISCAR) are organising a new edition of the Young Academics Award in 2026. This edition is an initiative of the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention and the International Scientific Committee on Research in the Alps (ISCAR). It is supported by the Italian Presidency of the Alpine Convention, hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), and the Department of Regional Affairs and Autonomies of the Italian Government (DARA). Additional support is provided by eight Alpine Convention Infopoints, the Virtual Alpine Observatory (VAO) and the University of Aosta Valley.
We warmly invite students to participate in the Young Academics Award 2026. As well as acknowledging the important contributions of young researchers, there are also great prizes to be won! We kindly ask you to share this invitation and information with your relevant contacts.
This edition of the Young Academics Award will focus on ‘The Alpine water cycle and cryosphere in a changing climate: dynamics, impacts, and responses’. Submissions on the following related sub-themes are welcome:
- Dynamics of the water cycle and the cryosphere
- Impacts on natural hazards, nature, and ecosystems
- Responses through technical measures and in the social dimension.
Successful applicants can win one of the twelve available prizes worth up to €1.000; in addition to the three main prizes there are also nine prizes from Alpine Convention partners.
Applications must be submitted by 31 July 2026. Early-bird applicants (until 31 March 2026) are also eligible to receive one of ten free admissions to the ForumAlpinum Summer School! All information on the Award’s admission criteria, prizes, as well as the application form are available here.
