Young Academy of Scotland Co-Chairs Professor Gary Kerr and Dr Afiya Holder, along with YAS Manager, Marie Montondo, attended the annual meeting of the European Network of Young Academies (ENYA) in Bern, from 5-6 June 2025.
The annual ENYA meeting brings together representatives from young academies across Europe. Workshops and discussions on science diplomacy were a prominent theme during the meeting. Science diplomacy has gained importance in recent years, yet is still rarely part of formal training for early career researchers. During the meeting, we explored how young academics can understand their role at the interface between science and society, and how they can create space for themselves in this evolving field of diplomacy.
During the meeting, we also explored academic freedoms. YAS reaffirmed its commitment to the Stockholm Charter for Academic Freedom, which it co-contributed to at a previous ENYA meeting. Academic freedoms are increasingly under pressure due to political and ideological shifts across the globe. We explored the recent threats to academic freedoms, particularly around how certain research fields and disciplines are being targeted. The meeting included time to explore strategies for young researchers to navigate and safeguard academic freedoms, and the role of young academies in promoting academic independence.
Coinciding with the ENYA meeting was the AGM of YASAS (Young Academy Science Advice Structure). YASAS is the body that coordinates young academies’ contributions to the European Commission’s Science Advice Mechanism, via the Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA) project. YAS is a full member of YASAS and has actively been involved in YASAS initiatives over the years.
During the YASAS AGM, Gary Kerr passed the baton as the YAS Standing Delegate to YASAS, on to Afiya Holder, who takes up this important position. Supporting Afiya in this role is YAS member Hannah Grist, who takes on the role of YAS Observer to YASAS. Afiya, Gary, Hannah and Marie attended the AGM at the House of Academies in Bern. Along with formalities involved in the AGM, we participated in a discussion on the strategy for equity, diversity and inclusion for YASAS, and how we can make YASAS a more equitable organisation for young academies.
The 2-day ENYA meeting concluded with a trip to the Einstein Museum in Bern. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Albert Einstein, who developed some of his groundbreaking theories during his time living in Bern. During the museum visit, we explored a comprehensive exhibition featuring personal artefacts, original manuscript, and interactive displays that illustrated Einstein’s contributions to both science and society.
