Status Report From GYA
STATUS REPORT FROM GLOBAL YOUNG ACADEMY (GYA)
The GYA grew out of discussions amongst top young scientists from around the world convened by the IAP for the World Economic Forum “Summer Davos” meetings in 2008 and 2009. The Global Young Academy (GYA) was officially founded in February of this year
with start up funding support by IAP. Its primary aim is to unlock the potential of young scientists from around the world; working together, this group can provide new insights on major challenges in scientific capacity-building and science-based education, policy and international
issues. The GY A seeks to mobilize young scientists in their creative prime. It will provide a rallying point for outstanding young scientists from around the world to come together to address topics of global importance. Our approximately 100 current members include leading young
scientists (defined as an average age of35 years) from 46-countries and five continents. The members were selected for the excellence of their science and their commitment to service from nominations submitted by home national academies.
The GYA membership will expand over the next two years to 200 members, each serving four- year terms. The vibrancy of the GYA results from the energy of its members who are passionate about the role of science in creating a better world. Since its founding February, 2010, the GYA has published an editorial in Science magazine (Apr 2, 2010; 328:17), drafted and voted on its constitution, elected leadership, established its website (www.globalyoungacademy.org), encouraged the exchange of scientists amongst different countries, and written a blueprint for founding national young academies. These activities had an impact on diverse countries; for example, we have advised on the formation of national young academies in Egypt, Finland, South Africa, Japan, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Thus, the GYA has already begun to impact global science policy. We have also begun assembling international collaborations and position papers addressing topics such as science education in developing countries and programmatic support for early-career scientists. In summary, the GYA will provide a network to assist your efforts to improve the situation for young scientists world-wide. Should you need further information, we will be delighted to assist you.
Sincerely,
Gregory A. Weiss (USA) and Nitsara Karoonuthaisiri (Thailand)
GY A Co-Chairs
GY A Executive Committee:
Amal Amin (Egypt)
Bernard Slippers (South Africa)
Kassymk Kapparov (Kazakhstan)
Paul Nampala (Uganda)
James Tickner (Australia)
Paula Kivimaa (Finland)
Rees Kassen (Canada)
Tilman Brueck (Germany)
Yael Hanein (Israel)
Jorge Huete (Nicaragua)
Interested persons
Section 1. Biographical data.
Name:
Birthdate:
Country that you will be representing:
Section 2. Short Essays. Please answer each question with a maximum of half a page of text in 12-point font with 2 cm margins.
1. Why do you want to join the Global Young Academy?
2. What contributions have you made to advance issues specific to young scientists or the scientific community?
3. What is your international and/or interdisciplinary research experience?
4. All members of the Global Young Academy are expected to join and actively contribute to at least one working group. Which one of the following working groups most interests you and why? Please describe your previous experiences that fit in one of these working groups or propose a plan of how you would ike to contribute to the working group that interests you. Science and Society
Science/governmenUmedia/business linkages; scientific communication; improved sharing of scientific and
academic research with other sectors for greater social impact to enhance the public understanding and
exposure to science; public awareness programs; developing public policy.
Early Career
Fostering interdisciplinary and early career research; supporting foundation of young national academies;
providing a forum for forming new collaborations; supporting developed/developing world exchanges;
celebrating excellence in young scientists (e.g. awards, prizes); career and gender issues.
Science Education
Covering science education and outreach at the pre-college level; report on and develop new
methodologies for science education; identify the central needs for change in education systems; provide
advisor=services to future young researchers to build-their research career potential; spark me interests of
the younger generation to pursue science as a career.
Interdisciplinary Research for global and regional problems
Reports on global and regional issues; helping to raise awareness of regional/global problems, determine
the role of GYA and address those issues on the basis of our international nature and diversity, organizing
regional workshops, etc.
Section 3. Accomplishments. Please briefly describe the four most significant accomplishments of your
career so far. For example: research leading to an important publications/patents or generating practical
impact.
Section 4. Curriculum Vitae (cv). Please paste a copy of your cv into this document. Your completed
application should consist of a single document including this cv.