Justification for establishing a National Young Academy

Contemporary scientific challenges often benefit from investigators with diverse backgrounds and expertise areas. Thus, bringing together talented young scientists creates new opportunities for better solutions to both national and international challenges. Furthermore, the exchange of best practices amongst young scientists across disciplines could further expand the opportunities for career development of young scientists in any country. To achieve this, there is a need for a strong platform where top young scientists can interact, coordinate, and organize to meet these challenges. More specific motivations for the establishment of such young academies can be summarized as follows:

1. Global awareness and support
   1. The concept of bringing together top young scientists has earned support from international scientific organizations and bodies including the IAP: the Global Network of Science Academies, Leopoldina (German Academy of Sciences), World Economic Forum, The Academy of Sciences of the Developing World (TWAS), UNESCO, Alfred Krupp von Bohlen and Halbach-Stiftung, etc.
   2. In an editorial, Prof. Bruce Alberts, Editor-in-Chief of Science magazine pointed to the benefits of NYAs, and called for their support.[1]
   3. Successful examples of NYA’s have been established in about 10 countries, including Germany, Netherlands, Nigeria, Sudan, Japan, and Egypt.
   4. The NYA will link to the growing global network of NYA’s, including the GYA, which will provide opportunities for young scientists to interact globally with other young scientists.
   5. The NYA will provide visibility and recognition to outstanding young scientists both nationally and internationally through their affiliation with the National and the GYA.
2. Contribution to national science policy
   1. The NYA will represent the voice of young scientists on national and international issues.
   2. The NYA will encourage debate and discussion on national and regional science policies.
   3. The NYA will promote science education to increase the understanding of science by the general public.
3. A symbol of scientific excellence
   1. The NYA will identify and bring together the very best young scientists to champion innovation and excellence in national scientific research.
   2. The NYA will be a future source of talented senior scientists to increase the national scientific capacity.
   3. The NYA will provide role models and motivation for future scientists in training at high schools and universities.
   4. The NYA will reward and promote excellence among young scientists.
   5. Such developments could help reverse “brain-drain” amongst talented researchers by recognizing their importance and excellence.
4. National development of science, technology and innovation (STI)
   1. The NYA will encourage collaborative, multi-disciplinary research activities among national and international young scientists.
   2. The NYA will initiate activities aimed at identifying and promulgating best practices and excellence in scientific research.
   3. The NYA activities will spark the interests of a younger generation to pursue science as career.
   4. Recognition of top researchers could encourage them to remain committed to developing the STI infrastructure of the home countries, and provide them with a platform to accomplish such goals.
5. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and representation
   1. The NYA will provide a network for young scientists from a wide range of disciplines to interact and collaborate both nationally and internationally.
   2. The NYA will encourage interdisciplinary research among young scientists nationally, thereby fostering this habit early in their careers.
   3. The NYA will promote ethnic, cultural and gender equality and diversity amongst young scientists.
   4. The NYA will facilitate the sharing of scientific knowledge to reduce the gaps between developed and less developed countries and also amongst different regions within countries.
6. A bridge between the young and senior scientists
   1. The NYA will promote mentorship by senior scientists for sustainability of the scientific community.
   2. The NYA will provide a source of talented young scientists that senior scientists can draw on for research collaborations, policy consultation, and other activities. 

[1]. Alberts, B. (2011). The Young Academy Movement. Science 332, 283.