About the Young Academy of Europe

The Young Academy of Europe is organised as a bottom-up initiative of a dynamic and innovative group of leading European young scholars . Since 2019, we are a registered charity organisation.

We provide input and advice from a younger generation’s perspective – a vital input to shape EU-wide policy for the benefit of future European scholars.

The key aims of the YAE are to:

• Provide advice and feedback on science policy across Europe, from a “younger” perspective
• Involve top young scientists in the future European research strategy, such as Long Range Plans and ESF Roadmaps
• Promote evidence-based policy across all European countries
• Support other young scientists in Europe in their further development and in thinking strategically about the future of their own discipline
• Create and foster a network of top young researchers across the disciplines in Europe

The YAE seeks to widen participation across Europe and across the research domains.

OUR MISSION

The YAE focuses on (but is not limited to) the following main aims and activities:

• Science policy and evidence-based policy: The YAE acts as a voice for young researchers by actively reaching out to policymakers, seeking to influence science policy and contribute to the development of a European science agenda for the coming decades. The YAE endorses evidence-based policy across all European countries; its membership comprises internationally recognised scientists and scholars across all disciplines seeking to actively contribute their expertise towards this goal.
• Networking: Efficient communication of the YAE’s activities is a key component to strengthening the solidarity and networking amongst exceptional young researchers in Europe, in order to create a pool of information, pass on experience, give feedback, and provide active support to colleagues across Europe and future generations of leading scientists.
• Science Communication: The YAE encourages young scientists to communicate their research to the general public in Europe, emphasising scientific and scholarly issues which affect society, quality of life and standards of living.
• Interdisciplinary Exchange: The YAE aims to function as a European platform fostering interdisciplinary and international scientific exchange, collaboration, and knowledge transfer among its members and beyond borders.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: The selection of new members for the YAE, the elections of members to serve on its board, and the award of prizes by the YAE should be carried out objectively and professionally. Click here to download our document about unconscious bias.

OUR HISTORY

Following meetings in 2010 and 2011 of newly funded grant holders at the European level, a meeting with 11 young scholars from various member states was held in Paris in September 2011. At this meeting, possible routes towards establishing a Young Academy of Europe were discussed, and its aims and activities were defined.

The Young Academy of Europe was formally established as an independent association of top young researchers in Europe at a constitutive meeting held in Brussels on 7-8 December 2012, with logistic and financial support from COST. In December 2012, the YAE established a partnership with Academia Europaea (AE), with YAE representation at AE board meetings. From 2019, the YAE is officially a German charity.