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• What you can expect

  • Build essential science-for-policy skills through hands-on exercises and simulations.
  • Learn to communicate your research effectively and in a target-group-oriented way.
  • Understand how different types of evidence influence real policy decisions.
  • Meet and learn from leading experts at the science-for-policy interface as well as practitioners from research and policymaking.
  • Join a vibrant international community of science-for-policy changemakers driving for greener and resilient futures.
• Who can apply?

  Doctoral students and postdocs from all disciplines.
• Key Facts

  • Dates: 6 to 10 July 2026
  • Location: University of Vienna & IIASA Institute (Laxenburg)
  • Language: English
  • Deadline: 9 March 2026
  • Participation Fee: € 250
  • 2 ECTS (subject to change)
• Questions?

  Luise Scheiber
  Societal Impact Management
  luise.scheiber@univie.ac.at 

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• Learning Objectives & Programme Modules

  The Green Policy Lab aims to provide the knowledge, skills and networks, to empower the current and next generation of researchers across academic fields to successfully navigate the interface between science and policy and foster evidence-informed policymaking.

  At the end of the programme, you will

  • Understand the concept of evidence-informed policymaking and the growing importance of it.
  • Learn about the EU Missions and how they contribute to solving the grand societal challenges of today and tomorrow.
  • Learn to apply science for policy competencies through simulation games and other hands-on exercises.
  • Jointly with scientists from across disciplines become more reflexive on the effectiveness of different forms of evidence and information in achieving impact on policymaking.
  • Become part of a vibrant international community to amplify the reach and impact of evidence-informed policymaking across Europe.

  
  Programme Modules

  • Opening, Learning & Networking
  • EU Missions & Green Policies
  • Bridging the Gap between Science and Policy
  • Trust in Science
  • Integrity in Science Advice
  • Science for Policy Tools
  • Challenges to Effective Science-Policy Dialogue
  • Pitching at the Science-Policy Interface
  • Writing a Policy Brief
  • Your Role at the Science-Policy Interface
• Location & Time

  The Green Policy Lab takes place in Vienna, Austria. Most sessions will be held at the University of Vienna Innovation Hub, with one programme day at the IIASA Institute in Laxenburg, which is easily accessible by public transport. Please note that the exact locations may be subject to change, but all activities will remain within or close to Vienna.

  The programme runs from Monday to Friday. On all days except Monday, sessions start at 9:00 AM and end at 5:00 PM. On Monday, the programme will start later in the day.
• What is included

  Participants will have access to Wi-Fi, printing facilities, a kitchenette, and writing materials. Lunches will also be provided during the programme.
• What is not included

  Participants are responsible for arranging their own:

  • Accommodation in Vienna
  • Travel to and from Vienna
  • Local transport tickets
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • Visa arrangements (if applicable)
  • Travel insurance

  Please ensure that your travel and accommodation arrangements allow you to attend the Summer School in full.

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• Application Details

  To help you prepare your application, we strongly recommend attending the Info Webinar on 13 February at 11:00 AM. 

  The application for the Green Policy Lab 2026 includes filling in a form with administrative information and uploading a written assessment consisting of three elements:

  • Introduction of applicant (maximum 0.5 page)
  • Reflections on the opportunities and challenges for researchers, including yourself, to engage at the interface between science and policy in their area of expertise (max 1 page)
  • Present three arguments why this summer school supports the engagement at the science-policy interface either of your personal career and / or on institutional level (max 1 page).

  
  If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please ensure that you provide all relevant information in your application form. See the details below to learn more about available financial support opportunities.
• Who can apply?

  To be eligible for this Summer School, applicants must be doctoral students or postdoctoral researchers affiliated with a university or research institution, regardless of discipline.
• Selection Process

  A total of 30 participants will be selected based on compliance with all administrative requirements, performance in the written assessment, and overall fit with the cohort.

  Application deadline: Monday, 9 March (end of day).
  Notification: Selected candidates will be informed by the end of March via e-mail.
  Participation fee: € 250, payable within 10 days after acceptance. If the fee is not received within this period, the place will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.

  Please check your e-mails regularly during this period!
• Scholarships & Tuition Waivers

  We offer two different types of financial support: tuition waivers and scholarships.
  
  

  1. Tuition Waivers

  Participants enrolled at a Circle U. partner university or a “The Guild” Member University are eligible for a tuition waiver.
  A tuition waiver covers the full participation fee (€ 250).

  Recipients of a tuition waiver must:

  • attend the Summer School for its entire duration (all days and sessions),
  • have an adequate command of English, and
  • be in good health and able to participate in all programme activities.

  Participants who receive a tuition waiver must initially pay the participation fee. The fee will be reimbursed after successful completion of the Summer School with full attendance.
  
  

  2. Scholarships

  Scholarship recipients will receive support in the form of accommodation for the duration of the Summer School. The organizers will arrange and cover the costs of hotel accommodation corresponding to the official programme dates. The hotel booking will be made by the organizers in consultation with the scholarship recipients. Accommodation outside the official duration of the Summer School cannot be covered.

  A limited number of scholarships is available.

  Scholarships are awarded based on:

  • academic excellence,
  • financial need,
  • country of residence (priority for applicants from EU candidate countries), and
  • overall balance in the composition of the cohort.

   

  To apply for a scholarship, applicants must provide the required information and clearly demonstrate financial need in their application.

  Scholarship recipients must also:

  • attend the Summer School for its entire duration,
  • have sufficient English proficiency, and
  • be in good health and able to fully participate.

   

  As with tuition waivers, scholarship recipients are required to initially pay the participation fee, which will be reimbursed only upon successful completion of the Summer School with full attendance.
• Cancellations

  Once you have been accepted to the Green Policy Lab and the participation fee has been transferred (within 10 days after receiving the acceptance notification), refunds are generally not possible. Reimbursements can only be granted in cases of serious and documented reasons (e.g., medical issues or emergencies).

  If you are unable to attend after having confirmed your participation, we kindly ask you to inform us as soon as possible so that we can offer your place to another applicant.
• Additional Funding Opportunities

  Additional funding opportunities may be available through your home institution, such as Erasmus Staff Mobility for Training or similar schemes. Please contact the international or Erasmus office at your home institution to inquire about possible support options.
• ECTS

  If you would like to receive 2 ECTS (subject to change) for attending the Green Policy Lab, the further steps will be clarified with you after your acceptance. Please note that several administrative procedures, supported by the International Office of the University of Vienna, are required in order to issue the ECTS and a transcript of records.

  ECTS credits are only awarded based on full attendance, completion of preparatory work, active participation, and successful completion of small assignments, such as writing a policy brief and preparing a pitch.

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• Visa

  It is the participant’s responsibility to apply and obtain a visa in time for the Green Policy Lab.

  If you are not an EU/EEA/CH citizen (or have the same status as an EU citizen), please contact the respective Austrian consulate for information on the applicable residence regulations and apply for an additional residence permit if necessary.

  This website provides a first overview of relevant information on visas and related matters.

  Information about Entry & Visa can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry for European and National Affairs.

  It is advised to contact the Austrian Embassy in the respective home countries for more detailed information.

  Visa applications should be made well in advance because visa application procedures may require well over one month. 
• Accomodation

  The Green Policy Lab does not provide accommodation (except for scholarship receivers). We strongly recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible.

  For suggestions on nearby accommodations, please refer to the website provided by our colleagues: https://shs.univie.ac.at/winter-school/orientation/accommodation/
• Tourist information

  • The official travel guide of the City of Vienna
  • 1000thingsmagazine (German, but more „secret tips“)
  • goodnight.at (events)