The Global Young Academy (GYA) actively supports the development of science leadership skills for early-career researchers worldwide. Through workshops and programmes inspired by initiatives like the Africa and ASEAN Science Leadership Programmes, the GYA fosters collaborative, inclusive, and impactful leadership.
These programmes empower researchers to lead in their institutions, communities, and across disciplines while addressing complex global challenges such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By connecting scientists, sharing best practices, and building networks, the GYA strengthens the voice of young scientists and drives transformative change in academia and beyond. Find introductions, descriptions and links with further details below.
2025 Science Leadership workshop for new GYA members
At the GYA’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and International Conference of Young Scienists in Hyderabad, India, over 35 newly selected GYA members took part in a Science Leadership Workshop, practicing effective and creative problem solving and collaborative leadership tools.
The workshop brings incoming GYA members together to create space for reflection on how to be leaders in diverse contexts – within the GYA and in the institutions and communities where they live and work. Early career researchers already exercise leadership in different contexts, and through this workshop, they explore how to harness diversity in teams, and use creative processes to find better solutions.
GYA supports ECRs at 2024 World Science Forum, co-organizes capacity-building workshop with InterAcademy Partnership
The 2024 World Science Forum was held in Budapest, Hungary, from 20-23 November, where leading scientists, decision-makers from the world of politics, industry, representatives of the civil society and the media from all over the world gathered to engage in dialogue about pressing global challenges.
The GYA was widely represented among participants and speakers throughout the Forum.
Women in Science Leadership workshops: resources and recordings available
A two-part online workshop “Inclusive Leadership for Women in Science” was held earlier this month, organized by the GYA Women in Science working group, and designed in partnership with the facilitation team at Inclusive Innovation. The workshops built on past GYA Inclusive Leadership workshops (read more about these workshops here), which focused on empathy, (self-)awareness and inclusive practices in research contexts. With a particular focus on leadership for Women in Science,these interactive workshops aimed to empower women in research, and all those interested in supporting them.
2024 Science Leadership workshop for new GYA members
In tandem with the GYA’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in Washington, D.C., USA, 40 particpants – newly selected GYA members , additional participants and mentors – took part in a 2-day Science Leadership Workshop.
The workshop aimed to create space for collaborative and individual reflection on how to be leaders in diverse contexts. Early career researchers exercise leadership in their research contexts, in the institutions and communities where they live and work, and within the GYA. During the workshop, participants practiced effective and creative problem solving and collective leadership tools.
Detailed Report: Download
Science Leadership Workshop for New Members
Two days before the GYA 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kigali, Rwanda, 25 particpants – newly selected GYA members – met for a Science Leadership Workshop. The workshop was designed to give participants space to reflect together on how to be leaders in diverse contexts: in their research contexts, in the institutions and communities where they live and work, and in the GYA. During the workshop, participants discussed and practiced effective and creative problem solving, collective leadership models, and cultural dexterity.
Detailed Report: Download
GYA trains Inclusive Science Leaders
The GYA Focus Group on addressing systemic discrimination was established at the 2020 AGM and works to support GYA members in reflecting on systemic bias that results in discrimination, and how to avoid this.
The group developed a training workshop, together with facilitators from Inclusive Innovation, that took part in two online sessions. The workshop aimed to foster reflection and understanding on how bias works, and practice inclusive leadership skills that can be applied in academia and other contexts.
Detailed Report: Download
2022 Science Leadership Workshop for GYA members
Ahead of the GYA 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM), 31 participants—primarily newly selected GYA members—joined an online Science Leadership Workshop in May. Seasoned GYA members and alumni served as mentors throughout the sessions.
The workshop provided a collaborative space for participants to reflect on leadership in diverse contexts, including their research environments, local institutions, communities, and within the GYA. Key topics included creative problem-solving, collective leadership models, personality dynamics in teams, and cultural dexterity.
Detailed Report: Download
New Members meet in online 2021 Science Leadership Workshop
In May 2021, 34 newly selected GYA members joined an online Science Leadership Workshop ahead of the AGM, with 12 experienced members serving as mentors.
Participants reflected on leadership in research, institutions, communities, and the GYA, practicing collective leadership tools through interactive sessions. Despite pandemic fatigue, the workshop fostered a positive atmosphere and provided valuable skills.
Facilitated by InclusiveInnovation, pre-AGM leadership workshops have trained new members since 2018. This was the second online edition, leaving participants inspired.
Detailed Report: Download
First virtual science leadership workshop for new GYA members in 2020
The GYA adapted its science leadership workshops for new members to an online format in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. From 26-29 May, over 35 participants joined the virtual workshop, facilitated by Know Innovation and supported by GYA mentors.
Split into two time-zone cohorts, participants practiced collaborative leadership skills and built lasting connections despite challenges like time-zone differences and bandwidth issues. Interactive activities on platforms like Zoom and Mural enabled broader participation, with all tools and results accessible on the workshop platform.
Detailed Report: Download
Science leadership workshop at World Science Forum 2019
Ahead of the 2019 World Science Forum in Budapest, 43 young scientists from 23 countries joined a 1.5-day leadership workshop co-organized by the GYA, IAP, and Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Facilitated by KnowInnovation, the workshop focused on creative leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Participants addressed ethics in science, including funding, inclusivity, societal relationships, and research conduct. The workshop ended with a reception emphasizing the importance of amplifying young scientists’ voices globally.
Detailed Report: Download
Second pre-AGM Science Leadership Workshop for new GYA members
This two-day workshop, inspired by Africa and ASEAN leadership programmes, brought over 30 new GYA members together to develop leadership and communication skills for their careers and GYA work. Facilitated by Inclusive Innovation, it focused on research communication, interdisciplinary discourse, and network building, empowering participants to lead in academia and their communities.
Detailed Report: Download
Members Report: International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) conference in Tokyo
On 6-7 November 2018, over 20 GYA members attended the INGSA conference in Tokyo, themed “Science Advice for a Changing World.” Discussions covered science-policy dynamics, AI, science diplomacy, and the UN SDGs. Helen Clark and Vladimir Sucha delivered impactful keynotes on misinformation and challenges in science advice. GYA members actively contributed through talks and session leadership, with Co-Chair Connie Nshemereirwe closing the event by emphasizing scientists’ responsibility to lead in science advice, even without institutional recognition.
Young scientists active at Open Science Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean (CILAC 2018)
GYA members actively participated in the 2018 CILAC Forum in Panama City, a global event promoting science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development. Panels covered topics like DIY biology, science diplomacy, women in science, and the UN SDGs, with GYA members contributing as speakers and organizers.
A pre-conference Science Leadership Workshop, co-organized by the GYA and IAP, focused on leadership and communication skills to advance the SDGs. The forum also sparked momentum for establishing regional and national young academies in Latin America.
NEF Africa Science Leadership Workshop Summary
The NEF Africa Science Leadership Workshop, held on 25 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together researchers, universities, funders, and journalists to explore the development of science leadership programmes for Africa. The workshop aimed to address the need for integrative leadership skills to tackle complex societal and environmental challenges, such as those outlined in the UN SDGs.
Discussions focused on supporting underrepresented groups, early-career researchers, and young universities, emphasizing collaboration between existing leadership programmes to share best practices, connect networks, and ensure sustainability.
Detailed Report: Download
CIFAR Women in Science leadership workshop
From 22-24 March 2018, the GYA Women in Science Group co-organised the CIFAR Women in Science Leadership Workshop in Kigali, Rwanda, on inclusive academic leadership.
Speakers like Agnes Binagwahoo, Rose Gana Fomban Leke, and Jennifer Thomson shared insights, with sessions on leadership strategies, personality exercises, negotiation, and networking led by former AAAS President Geri Richmond. Over 30 participants enhanced their leadership skills and networks, focusing on diversity and inclusivity to advance academic careers.
Detailed Report: CIFAR Women in Science leadership workshop
Avoiding the Weaponisation of Research: workshop for young scientists at World Science Forum 2017
The NEF Africa Science Leadership Workshop, held on 25 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together researchers, universities, funders, and journalists to explore the development of science leadership programmes for Africa. The workshop aimed to address the need for integrative leadership skills to tackle complex societal and environmental challenges, such as those outlined in the UN SDGs.
Discussions focused on supporting underrepresented groups, early-career researchers, and young universities, emphasizing collaboration between existing leadership programmes to share best practices, connect networks, and ensure sustainability.