Call for application: Training on Upstream-Downstream GLOF hazard and risk assessment

Application form

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) through its cryosphere intervention invites graduate students, government employees, and full-time early career scientists from research institutes in HKH region to apply for fully funded training on Upstream-Downstream GLOF hazard and risk assessment. This program focuses on strengthening the capacities of researchers, scholars, government employees, and full-time early-career scientists by enhancing their skillsets to support more informed risk reduction planning and early warning systems.

Training content

The training sessions will introduce cryosphere-related hazards focused on GLOFs under different scenarios and their triggers. Upstream downstream linkages and related disaster scenarios will be explored.

The training will cover indicators to assess potential flood scenarios under different triggering mechanisms, estimate downstream reach and intensity of outburst events, and identify high-risk areas.

Participants will be introduced to the requirements and process for GLOF modelling using Hydrologic Engineering Centre – River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) model, including data analysis and assessment of hazard in the downstream regions.

Target participants

A total of 20 participants from Regional Member Countries (RMCs) will be selected through an open selection process. While prior experience or knowledge of HEC-RAS modelling is not required, applicants should have a keen interest in learning and applying hydrological and hydraulic modelling techniques.

Training approach

Participants are required to bring their personal laptops for the training. The program will be delivered through a mix of theoretical sessions and practical hands-on exercises. On the fourth day, participants will work collaboratively on a group project, which they will present at the end of the training.

Eligibility and application requirements

Graduate students, government employees, and full-time early career scientists from research institutes in the following countries can apply: Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, or Pakistan. Priority will be given to professionals and researchers working in the area of cryosphere related hazards.

Applicants will be considered based on the required qualifications specified below.

Nominated participants and those applying through the open call must have the following qualifications:

• An interest in cryosphere science and a basic understanding of earth science or environmental science.
• Knowledge of at last one of the following areas: permafrost, glacier mass balance, glacier dynamics, snow cover analysis, GLOFs, hydrology, upstream-downstream disaster scenarios.
• A bachelor’s degree in relevant subject (preferred)

Interested candidates are requested to fill this form. 

Important dates

Application deadline: 23 July 2025

Selection process complete by 28 July 2025

Notify selected candidate by 29 July 2025

Training period: 18-22 August 2025

ICIMOD is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion and offers equal opportunities to applicants from all backgrounds including but not limited to gender, age, national origin, religion, race, ethnicity, social status. We strongly encourage application from all eligible applicants specially women and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, from all parts of the HKH region.

Selection & funding

Applications will undergo review by an expert committee on climate and cryosphere hazard at ICIMOD. Selected candidates will be notified by 29 July 2025, and granted a full scholarship including round-trip travel, food, and accommodation to attend the training in Kathmandu from 18 – 22 August 2025.

This work is part of Action Area: Cryosphere and Water under the Strategic Group: Climate and Environment, funded by the Government of Norway and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

Planned follow up

We will be following up with the participants for further support in GLOFs monitoring and research in the region, through the HKH CryoHub and other channels. The training will also work as a networking event and will contribute to building a network of researchers working in cryosphere related hazards in the region. Participants will be asked to fill out a post-training survey that is critical to improving similar capacity building training in the future.