We bring together young professionals from all sectors to work together on projects that benefit Scotland and the world.

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Our Strategic Themes

  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

    YAS strives to amplify and elevate the voices of communities and individuals who face barriers to effective participation in decision-making forums. We listen attentively, gather information, distil insights, conduct research, and effectively communicate our findings with the aim of reducing inequalities in Scotland.

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  • Health and Wellbeing

    We strive to identify and help tackle health and wellbeing challenges, working towards a Scotland where everyone has access to excellent care. This includes addressing health inequalities, addressing mental health challenges, promoting early interventions, and tackling stigma.

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  • Global Engagement

    We strive to bring Scotland’s expertise to the world and learn from international perspectives and experiences.

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  • Environmental and Societal Sustainability

    We strive to facilitate an inclusive and equitable transition towards a sustainable society, where everyone can thrive within a safe environment. This includes promoting a low-carbon economy, safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity, and ensuring decent living standards for all.

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  • Enterprise and Innovation

    We strive to model and champion innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, both in the public sphere and in business. We support emerging entrepreneurs to leverage their knowledge to address societal challenges and work towards a Scottish innovation landscape that is diverse and just.

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Member Spotlight

Fiona Kerr

Fiona is a Research Fellow in Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Glasgow Caledonian University. She has a background in pharmacology, neuroscience and functional genomics, gained during her training at the University of Glasgow, Kings College London and University College London. Her research investigates the molecular…

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Learn about our interdisciplinary membership of young leaders from the arts, business and industry, government, the public sector, research and academia, the third sector and beyond.

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Latest News

  • YAS welcomes 48 new members
    The Young Academy of Scotland has announced the appointment of 48 new members. The group represents some of the nation’s most innovative young professionals from business, the public sector, the charity sector, the arts, and research and academia.
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  • YAS launches its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan
    YAS has released its new five-year Strategic Plan.  Active from 2026 – 2030, the plan articulates the impact we aim to make nationally and internationally. The strategy’s central focus is five societal themes, on which we will focus our project work: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Wellbeing, Global Engagement, Environmental and Societal Sustainability, and Enterprise and Innovation.
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  • Cross-Pollinating Perspectives: Reflections from the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 2025
    This blog provides a reflective account of our experience from the third event of the Cross-Pollinating Perspectives project, following attendance at the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, held at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford on the 18th of December 2025. This project seeks to extend disciplinary boundaries…
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