Global Young Academy (GYA)

The GYA strives to impact global science policy by contributing to the formation of NYAs in Egypt, the Philippines, Japan, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Israel, and other countries. Describing itself as the voice of young scientists around the world, the GYA has drafted statements of relevance to young scientists and international science policy. The GYA is developing a number of projects aimed at improving the effectiveness of science, including in developing countries, by building linkages between young scientists from different countries. GYA members believe very strongly that scientists need to do more to contribute to society than simply to advance their individual research agendas. For example, members are pursuing science education and outreach at schools and universities in their home countries or in the countries of other members.

GYA has 10 working groups that deal with various issues concerning young scientists around the world. Details on these agendas, achievements, and actors may be found here. For example, in an effort to encourage students to find out about the work of scientists, Expedition Moondus is a science game developed by the Dutch Young Academy. The students take on the role of researchers who are exploring an unknown planet. They try to find out as much as possible about the planet itself, its nature, culture, and the inhabitants. The students answer questions based on available material on Moondus, such as observations and notes of other researchers. This GYA working group plans to use the game for outreach activities all over the world, which involves translating the game into languages such as English, Arabic, and Hebrew. Members of the GYA will use these translated versions to spark interest in science among high school students in their countries. Another working group is working to negotiate substantially discounted research-specialised software licenses for developing country institutions with the aim of expanding the market for such software and decreasing piracy. Parallel to the approach, this initiative will also promote the use of free and open source (FOSS) software alternatives amongst scientists in developing countries.

In May 2012, with a programme headlined by the South African Minister for Science and Technology, the Editor-in-Chief of Science magazine, and others, GYA held a General Assembly meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. Participants included 80 young scientists from 40 countries, senior scientists, and science administrators from around the world. With a theme of "Sustainability: Lessons on the Road between Rio and Rio+20", the conference focused on concrete actions young scientists can take to advance a sustainable future.

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The GYA grew out of discussions amongst young scientists from around the world convened by the IAP: The Global Network of Science Academies for the World Economic Forum "Summer Davos" meetings in 2008 and 2009.