Early career researchers and professionals in Scotland are being encouraged to get involved as members of the new UK-wide Young Academy — a network of emerging leaders to guide conversation and policy across the UK.
The UK Young Academy will see opportunities for talented early-career individuals in Scotland to collaborate with peers across disciplines throughout the UK and around the world. These young researchers, innovators, clinicians, professionals, academics and entrepreneurs will be brought together to tap into their collective potential and expertise in order to tackle important issues in society.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Academy of Medical Sciences, British Academy, Learned Society of Wales, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Irish Academy, Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Royal Society. It will connect emerging leaders with different knowledge and expertise, and include their voices in local and global policy discussions.
We are delighted to see the international movement of Young Academies growing inside the United Kingdom and we look forward to working with the founding members of the UK to enact positive change. The Young Academy of Scotland is pleased to have members who are also members of the Global Young Academy, and the new UK Young Academy represents another exciting way for our members to engage with the Grand Challenges facing society beyond Scotland.
Professor Sir John Ball, President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh said:
YAS member Dr Zahra Rattray said:
Young academies have the unique ability to break down silos and deliver on large and ambitious activities. They can develop networks, workshops and funding opportunities to rapidly respond to emerging situations such as the pandemic.
Applications for membership to the UK Young Academy are now open; details of selection criteria and how to apply can be found on the UK Young Academy website. Applications will close on 8 September 2022.