AMYRN: Agricultural Model Young Researcher Network

To further strengthen capacity-building efforts, BrightSpace has established the Agricultural Model Young Researcher Network (AMYRN). This initiative aims to build a dynamic community of young researchers—particularly PhD candidates—who are interested in applying modelling approaches to inform agricultural policies.

Models such as AGMEMOD, CAPRI, GLOBIOM, and MAGNET  play a crucial role in large-scale assessments related to land use, biodiversity, climate change, and food security. Operating these models requires specialised knowledge, including expertise in programming languages such as GAMS and GEMPACK and the ability to process large-scale datasets, including geospatial information. Through AMYRN, young researchers have the opportunity to collaborate with BrightSpace modelling experts by spending time at BrightSpace partner institutes. These exchanges allow researchers to gain hands-on experience and develop the necessary competencies to operate and enhance these models in the future.

AMYRN primarily supports PhD candidates and early-career postdoctoral researchers whose work aligns with BrightSpace project objectives. While the network mainly funds researchers directly supported by BrightSpace, it remains open to individuals funded by external sources whose research closely connects with the project’s tasks. In exceptional cases, AMYRN may also provide support for master’s students whose thesis research contributes to BrightSpace activities and involves developing modelling expertise. Applicants are required to secure a senior researcher at the host institute to act as a supervisor.