Young Academics Award 2026: Call Now Open on the Alpine Water Cycle and Cryosphere

The call for the Young Academics Award 2026 (YAA) is now open. This edition focuses on the theme “The Alpine water cycle and cryosphere in a changing climate: dynamics, impacts, and responses.”

Now in its eighth edition, the Award recognises outstanding master’s theses addressing topics of relevance to the Alpine region. It is promoted by the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention and ISCAR – the International Scientific Committee on Research in the Alps.

Theme of the 2026 Edition

The 2026 edition is dedicated to understanding, protecting, and managing the Alpine water cycle and cryosphere in the context of climate change.

Applications may address one or more of the following areas from an Alpine perspective:

  • Dynamics: seasonal and regional water availability, water scarcity risks, shifts in runoff regimes, glacier retreat, permafrost thaw, snow cover dynamics, and future climate scenarios.
  • Impacts: effects on ecosystems and biodiversity, post-glacial ecosystems, natural and water-related hazards, and impacts on infrastructure and settlements.
  • Responses: monitoring and forecasting systems, adaptation and resilience measures, nature-based solutions, integrated governance, and stakeholder participation.

Prizes

Three main prizes will be awarded to theses with Alpine-wide relevance:

  • 1st prize: €1,000
  • 2nd prize: €750
  • 3rd prize: €500

Nine additional prizes will be awarded by partners of the Alpine Convention. A special prize by the Virtual Alpine Observatory will recognise a thesis focused on measurements and observations at mountain stations.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Have obtained (or obtain by 31 July 2026) a master’s degree between 1 January 2023 and 31 July 2026.
  • Submit a thesis written in English, French, German, Italian, or Slovenian.
  • Present work relevant to the Award’s theme and geographical focus.

The selection process consists of two phases: an initial document-based pre-selection and a final workshop held in the framework of the Alpine Conference.

Deadlines

  • 31 July 2026 (midnight CET): application deadline.
  • January 2027: workshop and award ceremony during the XIX Alpine Conference (Italy).

Applications must be submitted through the official online form, including the thesis (PDF format) and graduation certificate.

Young Academics Award