|  | AGM 2023 Ticker #2 - The Conference topicThe Ticker is the newsletter format reserved for bringing you the latest, important and overall necessary information for preparing your participation in the upcoming GYA Annual General Meeting (AGM). | | | It is late March and time for the second Ticker, which will focus on the GYA International Conference of Young Scientists, its topic and what to expect. Remember, while the AGM is the internal part of our meeting, the conference is open to esteemed (invited) external guests. But before we look at the conference a little closer, please remember that you need to register for AGM attendance. And of course, we have the link right here for you: | | Find all necessary information on our AGM Website, including more details on possible co-funding, traveling, visas and so forth. An overview of the programme in its current state is also on the website and kept up to date. | | Conference Topic: “Technological Innovations for Discovering Solutions to the World’s Greatest Current Challenges” | The GYA’s annual International Conference of Young Scientists accompanies its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to create a platform for interdisciplinary and intergenerational dialogue between GYA members, and international professionals and stakeholders on a topic of global relevance. The Conference topic is proposed by the Local Organising Committee with their bid to host an AGM and is selected to anchor discussions around issues that are important to the host country.
Amid multiple global crises, the world needs science, research and technology to offer solutions, big and small. Technological innovations are needed in medicine, climate change mitigation and crisis management, to name a few major issues. As an academy of early- to mid-career researchers and scientists, the GYA is interested in not only fostering innovative solutions through interdisciplinary and international exchange, but also in starting conversations about topics such as: | conditions under which research and (young) researchers can best thrive in all world regions; which knowledge is needed about people and societies to be able to use new and existing technological innovations effectively; are technology and innovations available on an equitable basis around the world, and if not, how can that be changed; how can (young) researchers communicate about the work they do to the public, to policymakers; how can knowledge, as the basis for technological innovations, be shared on a wider basis?
| How can members connect to the Conference topic? | Many questions related to the conference panels are approachable from the very different disciplinary perspectives that GYA members bring to the table. Here is an overview of what to expect from each panel: | Vaccine production in low- and middle-income countries
Vaccine inequality costs too many lives and the COVID-19 pandemic provided a strong motivation for the global community to prioritize vaccine development and production in a truly ethical manner. Questions remain, however: How can barriers to vaccine production in LMICs be lowered? What are the current regional and international developments and efforts, and what are the main challenges?
Technological innovations for solving global challenges: The role of young academies Young scientists and researchers stand at the forefront of new and innovative technological research and development in every field. Thus, the voice of young researchers should play a key role in working with communities to understand and engage with innovation, research and new technologies. What role can young academies play in solving global challenges, in encouraging innovation, and in effectively communicating about research advancements to the public or as evidence-based science policy advice?
A global perspective towards technological innovations: Think globally but tackle local challenges? Join this panel to discuss ways to conduct science that respect the interconnectedness of the earth’s subsystems as well as societal and cultural conditions. Questions to be explored include: How can technology and innovation support solutions, starting at the local level, but with a global view? How can knowledge be used, and which knowledge is not yet available to support local communities in effectively contributing to global goals (such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals)?
A global perspective towards technological innovations: Engaging youth for addressing challenges of humanity Young people undeniably are a key driver to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but there is still much to be done to engage youth and improve educational conditions so that the full potential for future innovations can be reached. What are the main challenges in youth engagement? How can a culture of innovation be fostered, supporting young entrepreneurs and new technologies in the service of sustainable development? What role can young scientists and scholars play in engaging youth and encouraging science education?
Scientific Publishing: A global perspective from early-career researchers on open access dissemination of scientific discovery and data sharing For early-career researchers, building a reputation and sharing research findings to a wide audience can be challenging. In principle, open access could help to build trust in science and promote equitable and inclusive science by making research more accessible to both researchers and the public. However, different regions of the world have different approaches to shifting the cost of access to scientific literature from the reader to scientists, research institutions, or national governments. This workshop will explore the current state of open access around the world, particularly through early-career researchers’ perspectives.
Science Advice – Introductory Workshop Current global challenges, including COVID-19, climate change, and economic development are multidimensional and do not stop at national borders. Policymakers faced with forming effective strategies to address these challenges are increasingly in need of detailed technical knowledge and expertise from multiple disciplines which not only help to better understand the problems at hand, but also to understand the consequences of different potential solutions, working within the institutional, political and economic constraints that policymakers face. This workshop provides international insights into Science Advice, also referred to as Scientific Policy Advice, especially for new GYA members or participants who are new to the science advice field.
| | Call – participate in drafting the 2023 Conference Statement | Do you want to be involved with your fellow GYA members in drafting a Conference Statement (1-2 pages that present the GYA’s point of view on conference topics / takeaways)? The statement draft would then be presented for feedback to all members after the conference sessions. If you’re interested, write a short e-mail to jennifer.plaul@globalyoungacademy.net by 1 April 2023. | | Kigali - In-Person | The idea for the GYA emerged from an in-person meeting, and such meetings helped it thrive for ten years before the pandemic. Online AGMs have proven to be a feasible solution in emergency situations, and perhaps in the future to reduce travel, but we have also learned that online meetings cannot duplicate the experience of in-person networking; the incredible positive energy, the serendipitous effect of like-minded peers meeting in a space designed solely for them.
Consider this: In 2023, we have 160 members who have never attended an in-person AGM. At the same time, we will have 160 outgoing or former members who have never been celebrated by their peers for their five-year tenure.
For these reasons, the focus in 2023 is on funding the in-person meeting and supporting member travel as well as possible. There will most likely be recordings of some of the sessions available after the event, and – pending capacity – options to join discussions in chats and on social media, but truly hybrid participation is not possible this year. In addition to capacity issues, time zone differences and the GYA constitution stand in the way of a full hybrid meeting (in-person AND online voting is not foreseen in the GYA constitution). This can be discussed during the General Assembly, however, for future meetings. | If you can’t attend the AGM and Conference | Send in your ideas and concerns: remember that the Executive Committee (EC) is always happy to receive your emails. Contact them either individually through the means provided by the GYA website, or use the gya-ec@globalyoung.academy mailer address to contact them all at once or contact them individually here:
GYA Governance - Global Young Academy.
Either way, send in your thoughts and concerns – anything you believe should be a topic at the AGM and beyond. Part of the AGM is the General Assembly, where certain matters can be discussed with the entire GYA membership directly.
Log on to the Agora:
The Agora will serve as a repository for documents required at the AGM, but also as a place to interact. Post replies, post new topics. Anything you believe is important and should be heard at the AGM. The Office will constantly check for new content in the AGM forum. AGM 2023 - GYA Agora (globalyoungacademy.net) (Login required)
Keep the AGM Website bookmarked:
All the information pertaining to the AGM and conference will be collected on the AGM Website. This is especially true right until the event starts. Together, the AGM Website and the Agora (along with the Ticker mailings) will be the triumvirate of all things AGM 2023.
2023 Annual General Meeting and International Conference (globalyoungacademy.net)
Visit the YouTube channel after the meeting
This is where you will find the recordings we make on site, including Lightning Talks, spotlights and such of the AGM 2023. Global Young Academy - YouTube | | Shared accommodation | Sharing lodging for self-funded participants - GYA Agora (globalyoungacademy.net) - This is a discussion thread for anyone who is interested in contacting other self-booking members and alumni to share a rented flat or accommodation in Kigali during the AGM. | | The 101: Introduction to Activities Groups, Comms, EC and role of Office | If you have never been at an AGM, expect to be inspired. When meeting current and former members, guests and the Office Team in person, you will develop an understanding of what the GYA is all about in a whole new way. Though we were able to get through the pandemic using various media platforms and approaches, the spirit and energy of an in-person AGM cannot be duplicated online. |  | | | Reminders | | | Ticker Travel Tips: Rwanda Edition pt 2 | For our in-person AGM in 2023, we are back to bringing you the Ticker Travel Tips much like in 2018 and 2019. Please note that this is, by no means, exhaustive information. More in-depth details can be obtained through this online resource: Practical Information – Visit Rwanda | The weather in June June is among the warm months of the year. The average maximum daytime temperature in Kigali in June lies at 26°C (90°F). The average minimum temperature, generally noted at night, is 15°C (60°F). June is a rather dry month with usually around no more than three rainy days. Compared to other towns such as Cape Town, Bangkok, New York, Buenos Aires and Paris, in June Kigali feels like spring. It is generally the start of the sunny season.
What to pack? Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing and think about sun protection, including a hat and sunglasses. The evenings tend to be cool but pleasant; a light sweater would be a good idea. A light jacket for air-conditioned interiors could also be needed if you live in a warmer climate.
Electricity Rwanda has a 220V AC, 50Hz electricity supply. In Rwanda the power plug sockets are of type C and J. Adaptors are available at most hotels per request. |  | | Mobile phone coverage Rwanda’s country code is +250. Rwanda has excellent cell phone networks covering the entire country and international calls can be made easily. EDGE on 3G/2G is activated countrywide. Helpdesks will be available at the airport gate to register for a local SIM card if needed. In addition, local SIM cards are readily available everywhere, even in remote towns.
Mobile phones can be purchased or rented from major shops in Kigali. However, if your phone can support a sim card, there is no need to get a new one.
Wi-Fi coverage overall – should one log into the free Wi-Fi in the café if available? Rwanda is among the top three African countries in terms of internet connectivity, with an ever-growing fibre optic network. There is high-speed 4G LTE wireless broadband in major cities. Most towns have several internet cafes and Wi-Fi is available in higher-end hotels. Alternatively, you can use your phone to connect to a 4G connection while out of the hotel. The 4G from the mobile connection providers is available in most urban areas.
Getting around in Kigali Kigali has a well-surfaced road network linking various places and the most convenient way to travel the country is by car. In the case of tourism, tour operators can arrange a vehicle with a driver, or some agencies rent out cars and 4x4s. Taxis operate across the town around the clock. There are no rail services, and the most popular form of public transport is shared buses. In Kigali, buses operate a smart card system called Tap&Go. Tap&Go (acgroup.rw) | | Inspirational Words: Why attend an AGM | Together with members and alumni who attended the 2018 and / or 2019 AGMs, let us reminisce a little and be inspired by what an in-person AGM is like. These are excerpts, and the full quotes can be found here: Inspirational Quotes - 2023 Annual General Meeting and International Conference (globalyoungacademy.net) |  | Clarissa Rios Rojas “We are doing this together, so do not worry if you can't come up with any ideas at the moment; once you arrive at the annual general meeting, you will feel the warmth and the energy from all the members, it will be contagious ;) So your mind will be radiating with ideas!” Clarissa’s quote is here.
Nova Ahmed “When I first came, I did not know what to expect being an introvert and a bit socially awkward! When I joined, I found many many others who are as passionate to change the world as me, even more. It’s the time I spent thinking of ideas, having fun or just not doing anything having amazing people around.”
Nova’s quote is here.
Anina Rich “I showed up to my first AGM completely puzzled as to why I was selected - a cognitive neuroscientist - what could I offer? I quickly learned that this was one group where what you know is less important than what you think! Being at the in person AGM was crucial for me to understand both what the GYA does and how, and what I could bring to this amazing organisation. [...] It is SO worth it - without attending the AGM I wouldn’t have got so much out of my 5 year membership.” Anina’s full quote is here. | | So, this makes Ticker #2 a wrap. Thank you for your attention.
Remember, the Office will assist you in matters regarding the AGM if we can. Simply reach out to us by sending an email to info@globalyoungacademy.net. If you have already submitted a co-funding request, we kindly ask you for a bit of patience. You will hear from us as soon as possible. Thank you for understanding.
The next Ticker will be all about your at the AGM and how to get engaged on site. It is scheduled to come to your inboxes in the second half of April 2023.
Hope to see you in Kigali. Take good care. The GYA Office | | |
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