The Young Academy of Europe held its 2026 Annual General Meeting in Budapest, bringing together 18 members in person and more than 30 online. Thanks to the hybrid format, members across Europe could take part in the Academy’s governance and discussions whether or not they were able to travel.

A highlight was welcoming our newest members, several of whom received their membership certificates in person. Their enthusiasm was evident throughout, and many have already said they want to be directly involved in the Academy’s activities. We look forward to bringing this energy into YAE’s work over the coming year.

Discussions were wide-ranging and at times intense, covering both scientific questions and science policy. This reflects the Academy’s dual role as a community of researchers and as a voice for early- and mid-career scientists in European research policy.

Alongside the formal programme, members also visited the Hungarian Parliament building, one of Budapest’s most striking landmarks on the banks of the Danube. The visit was a memorable chance to connect informally and to reflect on the relationship between science and democratic institutions, a theme close to the Academy’s heart.

The YAE-organised sessions at BB2026 were very well received. Among them was the panel discussion AI and the Future of Science: Opportunities, Responsibilities and Risks, chaired by Katalin Solymosi FYAE. The panellists were, Ting Shi FYAE (University of Edinburgh), Deniz Sarikaya FYAE (Universität zu Lübeck) and Csaba Cserép FYAE (HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine). Their discussion carried on well beyond the session itself.

We were delighted to hear the André Mischke YAE Prize lecture from this year’s winner, Ieva Plikusiene. It was a fitting celebration of the prize’s commitment to research excellence combined with engagement in science policy.

The Board election was strongly contested, with five candidates standing for two positions. We thank all the candidates for putting themselves forward, and we congratulate Rafał Matuszewski and Ágnes Bánréti on their election to the Board.

Our sincere thanks go to our Budapest hosts, the local organisers, and everyone who joined us in person or online.