Increasing our understanding of the unique Alpine region, its ecosystems, and the processes that affect it is a first step towards shaping its future in a changing world. To advance this knowledge, the Permanent Secretariat and ISCAR, the International Scientific Committee on Research in the Alps, are pleased to launch the next edition of theYoung Academics Award (YAA), celebrating the best master’s theses on sustainable development in the Alps.
The YAA offers young researchers an opportunity to share their creative ideas and scientific work for addressing some of the major challenges facing the Alpine region. The 2026 edition of the Award is dedicated to ‘The Alpine water cycle and cryosphere: dynamics, impacts, and responses’. The theme is aligned with the current priorities of the Italian Presidency of the Alpine Convention.
“Water is the foundation of life and appears in many forms in the Alps, the most well-known being snow and ice. Yet climate change and other pressures are having a significant impact on this vital resource that supports the lives and livelihoods of people in the Alpine region. With this year’s Young Academics Award, we invite young researchers to share their ideas and innovative solutions for how to deal and respond to the changes in the Alpine water cycle and cryosphere” said Alenka Smerkolj, Secretary General of the Alpine Convention.
The three main prizes are for theses that address topics relevant to the Alps. Additionally, eight ‘Infopoint prizes’ from Chamonix (FR), Domodossola (IT), Koroška (SI), Mojstrana (SI), Ötscher-Tormäuer (AT), Sonthofen (DE), Tolmin (SI), and Villach (AT) will be awarded for works that are related to the theme and dedicated to the geographic location of the Infopoint areas. And for the first time, a special prize of the Virtual Alpine Observatory will be awarded to a thesis focusing on measurements and observations at mountain stations.
The deadline for submission is 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! The call and all relevant application information are available here.
Good luck!