Applications are sought from young, independent scholars who combine the highest level of research excellence with a demonstrated passion for delivering impact.
The GYA is a global organisation that places a high value on its diversity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. All applicants receive consideration and will not be discriminated against with regard to race, colour, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disabilities, or other factors. We aim to avoid any single institution being overrepresented in our membership. We especially encourage women and applicants from different minority groups, and from diverse disciplines including the natural, physical and social sciences as well as the arts and humanities and people working in government, industry, and non-governmental sectors to apply.
Research: The call is open to all scholars working in any research-based discipline, including the natural, physical and social sciences, as well as the arts and humanities. Applicants working in government, industry, and non-governmental sectors are also welcome.
Excellence: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a high level of excellence in their discipline, ascertained by a proven track record and expected future achievements. Moreover, applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to making a difference in society. A PhD or an equivalent degree is a requirement for applicants.
Impact: The Global Young Academy is committed to a broad range of programmes around the world to support young scholars, promote science to a broad audience, engage in policy debate, and foster international and interdisciplinary collaboration. Applicants should provide evidence of interest or experience in one or more of these areas.
Age/career point: Applicants should be in the early to middle years of their independent careers.Applicants born in or after 1985 and holding a PhD are eligible without any restrictions. Applicants born before 1985 must have obtained their PhD in 2018 or later. Applicants born before 1985 with a PhD obtained before 2018 must submit a detailed justification of why they should be considered.
Expectations: Each GYA member is encouraged to attend the GYA Annual General Meeting each year. As member-led organisation, GYA relies in members contributions, thus expected to actively contribute a minimum of 4 hour per month to one or more of the organisation’s programmes (projects and committees), which may include participation in science-for-policy or policy-for-science activities, supporting science outreach and education at national or international levels, engaging in science diplomacy, or collaborating with the world’s young academies and further GYA partners. In the event that applicants are selected as new GYA members, they should be available to attend the next Annual General Meeting, which is scheduled for 28 June – 3 July 2026 in Bremen, Germany.
Please also refer to our section containing Frequently Asked Questions about the application process, eligibility, membership and the GYA as such: FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Application Process
Applications should be completed personally by the candidate and must be accompanied by a letter of support. Completing the application takes a minimum of 30 minutes. The form can be saved at any time and processed later. So that you can prepare well, find the assessment questions in our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) under “What are the assessment questions?”.
Applicants are also encouraged to contact the GYA members/alumni who are from their country/region for further information on the GYA activities, projects and any other questions which can help with the application process. You can find members and alumni listed along with their contact details on our GYA website. In general, you are welcome to send any questions to the GYA Office.
The application must be submitted before 15 September 2025, 18:00 (6:00 PM) UTC through our online application form.
This form asks for basic biographical information and includes several short essay questions. Please note that we would like to get to know your unique personal perspectives and experiences. AI-generated text is unlikely to receive a high ranking from the reviewers during the assessment phase.
The online application form as well as the support documents need to be written in English. Please ensure that neither your entries in the application form nor the uploaded documents contain any reference to bibliometrics (e.g. cumulative impact factor, citation counts or h-index), university ranking data, or monetary amounts from grants or patents. Do not provide a list of publications. We will ignore all documents containing such information.
The following documents must be uploaded with your online application, as PDF documents:
- CV
Maximum length of 4 pages. The Selection Committee members are instructed to ignore any material over the 4-page limit. Your CV should contain a brief education and employment history and make your achievements clear to a general audience. For example, a few words summarising your most significant publications are more useful than a complete list of every paper that you have authored. - Letter(s) of support
Please arrange for the submission of at least one letter of support for your application directed to the GYA. Letters created for a different purpose cannot be accepted. Your referee(s) should be familiar with your research career and able to comment on your standing as one of your country’s leading academics.
Individuals that you may contact for reference letters could be from one of your employers or a superior, your research institution, or another professional person familiar with your work. They may also come from a young academy (in case you are an active member).
Please send in at least one, but no more than three reference letters. One may highlight your excellence in your academic field. Another may focus on your societal engagement. Aim to find a referee/referees that can provide a comprehensive picture of who you are and what you excel at in your career and additional engagements.
Personal or character references are not required. Letters should be written personally by your referee(s) in their own words. - Please supply the document “Instructions for Referees” (below) to your referees.
- Data Protection / Declaration / signature of applicant
Download document here.
(online from 15 July 2025 – 15 September 2025, 18:00 UTC)
Downloads
The following documents are available for download to help you prepare your application. Please ensure you submit your application using the online template form, as printed forms will not be accepted.
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Membership Call Flyer
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