The European Network for Institutes of Advanced Study (NETIAS) was established in 2004 and has 26 member institutes from across Europe. Within the whole network, more than 500 researchers are hosted every year. The network convenes twice a year.

With shared objectives of openness and freedom of research, the network aims at:

• stimulating dialogue on IAS practices
• creating international and multidisciplinary learning communities
• forming possible forms of cooperation and exchanges between its researchers, management and staff.

AIAS held the Presidency of NETIAS, from 2021-2023. For several years, AIAS has been an active member in hosting and co-organising the NETIAS Annual Business Meeting for the 26 member institutes and the EURIAS Conference for its fellows, by hosting fellows in the EURIAS Fellowship programme and by taking part in the NetIAS CAT programme, that brings together teams of young talented scholars to work on a shared theme at an IAS.

Opportunities for researchers in the NETIAS CAT Programme

The aim of the Constructive Advanced Thinking (CAT) programme is to foster networks of excellent early-career researchers dedicated to devising new ideas to understand and tackle current or emerging societal challenges.

Although the programme has a strong focus on the societal relevance of the projects, it is entirely blue sky, bottom-up and non-thematic. CAT encourages a collaboration with stakeholders outside academia (industry, policymakers, NGOs etc.) who are willing to support or engage in innovative research initiatives.

• The next CAT call is expected in August/ September of 2025.