We bring together young professionals from all sectors to work together on projects that benefit Scotland and the world.

YAS delivers projects to help Scotland’s people and policy-makers build a future that is equal, enterprising, sustainable, healthier, smarter and international.

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Our Grand Chellenges

  • Environment

    Enabling people in Scotland to thrive sustainably

    We strive to facilitate an inclusive and equitable transition towards a sustainable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive within a healthy environment. This includes promoting a low-carbon economy, safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity, and ensuring decent living standards for all.

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  • Equity

    Enabling a more equitable, diverse, and just Scottish society

    We strive to amplify and elevate the voices of communities and individuals who face barriers to effective participation in decision-making forums. We listen attentively, gather information, distil insights, conduct research, and effectively communicate our findings with the aim of reducing health and social inequalities and promoting wellbeing in Scotland.

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  • Exchange

    Enabling a respectful and inclusive societal exchange

    We strive to facilitate open and inclusive exchange of ideas and perspectives among individuals and diverse groups to encourage dialogue, foster understanding, and support informed decision-making. We aim to promote respectful, balanced discourse throughout Scotland and internationally.

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Latest News

  • YAS welcomed as a member of ALLEA

    We are delighted to announce that YAS has joined ALLEA, the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities. This achievement opens new opportunities for international knowledge exchange and collaboration. Including Young Academies in eminent bodies like ALLEA amplifies the voice of young researchers within…

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  • YAS and UK Young Academy members gather to Create Connections in Scotland

    YAS and the UK Young Academy (UKYA) members came together for the first time at an event at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Held as part of the Royal Society’s Creating Connections conference, this meeting aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among members of…

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  • Mark Beaumont addresses YAS at its 2023 Spring Plenary Meeting

    The event on 17 May saw Mark Beaumont BEM FRSE give a keynote address on the differences between one’s self-perception and their public image.  Speaking on his visit to the event, Mark said: “It’s a pleasure to speak with members of the Young Academy of…

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Charter for Responsible Debate

Learn about our project to create a Charter for Responsible Debate

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Member Spotlight

Maria Dornelas

Maria Dornelas is a macroecologist who combines theory and innovative data to quantify biodiversity and understand the processes that shape it. She is a Reader at the University of St Andrews where her group is engaged in questions that range from mm scale species interactions…

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Join Us

We recruit new members every 2 years. Our next recruitment round will open in January 2024.

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