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Who we are
The vision of the Global Young Academy (GYA) is science for all; science for the future, and its mission to give a voice to young scientists around the world. The GYA develops, connects and mobilises young talent from six continents, and empowers young researchers to lead international, interdisciplinary and intergenerational dialogue. The GYA aims to elevate the voice of young scientists in evidence-informed and inclusive global, regional and national decision making. The GYA has 200 members, comprised of passionate young scientists, typically 3-10 years after their PhD, between 30 to 40 years of age, and in the early stages of their independent academic careers. Members are selected for their scientific excellence and commitment to engage with society, and serve five-year terms. The GYA also has an engaged body of 366 alumni (as of 2022) spread around the globe. Members and alumni together represent 100 countries. The vibrancy of this global community is a result of the energy of its members, who are passionate about the role of science in creating a better world.
What we do
GYA members engage in working groups, strategic projects and collaborations with international partner organisations. These activities, all relevant to societal and scientific debate, are clustered into 4 thematic areas: Science and Society; GYA & the SDGs; Research Environment; and Science Education & Outreach. The GYA publishes statements on pressing global issues, trains young scientists in cross-cutting skills such as science advice and science communication, and provides a platform for blue-sky ideas to form and unfold. The GYA also supports the establishment and coordination of National Young Academies and similar initiatives on all continents. In connection with this, the GYA facilitates regular worldwide meetings of NYAs, and provides a tool-kit and advice on establishing an NYA.
Governance and Administration
The GYA is governed by an annually elected Executive Committee of 11 members, led by two Co-Chairs, that reflects the diversity of its membership. An Advisory Board composed of outstanding senior scientists and leaders in science-policy related fields from around the world supports the GYA in strategic planning. The GYA Administrative Office comprises a Managing Director and six staff members, and is hosted by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in Halle (Saale), Germany.
History
The GYA grew out of discussions among top young scientists and researchers from around the world during meetings convened by the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) at the Annual Meeting of New Champions of the World Economic Forum (“Summer Davos” meetings) in 2008 and 2009. The Tianjin Statement of Global Young Scientists, which resulted from that meeting, constitutes one of the founding documents of the GYA. Further information about the creation of the GYA can be found in the White Paper “A digital archive of GYA history“. The GYA was officially founded in February 2010, with support from the IAP, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW) and the German Junge Akademie, as well as start-up funding from the Volkswagen Foundation and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). From 2011 to 2016, the GYA was hosted by the BBAW in Berlin, Germany. Since 2014, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has provided generous core funding to the GYA, since 2021 jointly with the German State of Saxony-Anhalt. To finance its Annual General Meetings and other expanded projects, the GYA continues to benefit from funding by donors and partner organisations worldwide. In 2017, the GYA Office moved to its current location at the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in Halle (Saale), Germany.