Our Themes

Our work is interdisciplinary, and all our activities fit within one or more of our Strategic Themes.

YAS activities are developed and lead by members, working across disciplines and areas of expertise to respond to some of the most interesting and pressing challenges facing Scotland today. We also work with partner organisations to deliver successful projects and events, and to broaden our reach.

Our strategic plan sets out YAS’s forward-looking objectives and goals for 2026-2030. It defines our organisation’s vision, and guiding principles, and the objectives through which we aim to deliver on our vision.

Our current strategic plan also contains the below Strategic Themes, which we identify as key areas in which we can drive positive change for Scotland and the world. These themes transverse our members’ areas of expertise, and the different sectors they work in. While these are not intended to exclude other critical issues, YAS encourages our members to actively engage with one or more of these themes when creating and delivering Young Academy projects.

Download the full Strategic Plan (2026-2030)

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.

    Read More

  • 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.

    Read More

  • Global Engagement

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

    Read More

  • 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.

    Read more

  • 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.

    Read more

Latest news

See All News