The Global Young Academy
Providing a Voice thing post-doc may well be in a key advisory role, shaping government policy and directing the course for Young Scientists of scientific research. In 30 years, the scientific pow- erhouses of Europe, America, and Japan will be joined in the Sustainability by countries like Thailand, Brazil, and South Africa as economies improve and more resources are invested Debate into research. Bringing early career researchers to the table in discussions surrounding allocation of science by Michael Sutherland and Javier funding, climate change, and energy policy is clearly Garcia-Martinez an important part of promoting long-term thinking. And yet, the plight of the young scientist is often sustainable future is one in which energy precarious at best. A recent report produced jointly production, resource use, and economic prog- for the UK’s Institute of Physics and the Royal Society Aress are optimally managed to ensure the of Chemistry highlighted the pressures often felt by long-term survival of the human species. Achieving early career chemists.3 Faced with increased competi- this goal will only be possible through a dramatic tion for jobs, research grants, and the overwhelming rethinking of many aspects demand to publish or perish, most young chemists of society and its infra- find themselves putting in long, hard hours in the lab structure, and will require or the classroom, leaving little time to consider sci- unprecedented levels of ence policy and social issues. Moreover, many tenure international collaboration decisions at universities reflect grant income and and cooperation. There publications with no reward for becoming involved in can be little doubt that wide-ranging policy initiatives. Even if an early career sciences will play the star- chemist is interested in such things (and many are), ringr role in this transfor- there are very few forums in which to voice their mation,m creating profound thoughts, especially on an international level. Some opportunitieso for chemists. national scientific institutions such as the UK’s Royal A recent U.S. Department Society and Germany’s National Academy of Sciences ofo Energy report1 outlining have established young scientist programs, and while priorityp areas for sustain- these are certainly helpful their activities are mainly abilitya research highlighted limited to the national level and exist only in developed theth importance of chemis- countries with long traditions of scientific research. try.tr Carbon sequestration, nanoscalena catalysts, efficient The GYA Initiative batteryba materials, and solar energyen harvesting are cited as A group of young scientists selected by their national examplesex of how chemistry- academies to attend a 2008 World Economic Forum based research can lead to breakthrough tech- Meeting in China first realized the need for an orga- nologies with the potential for far-reaching impact.2 nization that could act as an advocate for early career researchers. If businesses and political orga- Wide implementation of these and other technolo- nizations could form globe-spanning networks, then gies will take time, and the road to a sustainable future why shouldn’t young scientists? The idea caught the is sure to be a long one. Negotiating this path will attention of senior figures in science—Howard Alper require thinking on a timescale of decades, as well as (the co-chair of the IAP, the global network of sci- across international borders. From this perspective, it ence academies) and Bruce Alberts (editor in chief is essential to include young scientists from diverse of Science magazine)—who provided early guidance. backgrounds in the conversation about sustainability, With financial support from the Volkswagen founda- as they will be the stewards of change over the com- tion, the Global Young Academy (GYA) was launched ing decades. In 30 years, today’s promising 20-some- in 2010. With 172 members from 54 countries, the GYA
4 CHEMISTRY International January-February 2013 is the first truly international network of early career tion has become a key . . . the GYA researchers in evidence-based disciplines, committed forum for the exchange sees itself to improving both the state of science and enriching of ideas among young fulfilling several the science-society interface. scientists. Amid a pal- As the global voice for young scientists, the GYA pable air of enthusiasm, ambitious roles. sees itself fulfilling several ambitious roles. Chief delegates broke off into among these is facilitating international dialogues on working groups themed key scientific issues (such as sustainability) between around a particular proj- disciplines and generations and, in particular, between ect or area of science policy. Moving through the lobby the developing and developed world. As an outward of the conference venue it was possible to overhear looking organization, the GYA also places an emphasis a Scottish astrophysicist and an Italian philosopher on communication of the value of science to the pub- arguing over the practicalities of open access scien- lic, and on promoting science as a career of choice to tific publishing, or an Egyptian biochemist making an young people. The highly international character of impassioned plea for more resources to support young the GYA ensures a wide perspective on these issues, woman in science at key points in their career. A heated helping to bridge the gap between science in the conversation surrounding the migration of some of the developing and developed world. developing world’s best and brightest scientists to fac- Membership to the organization is selective and ulty positions in the developed countries demonstrated competitive, with the main criteria being excellence in the often complex and multifaceted nature of issues research and an enthusiasm for engaging with science facing young researchers. as a vehicle for social change. The GYA looks for young Informed debates like these are at the heart of the researchers who are not only current or future leaders GYA. From the small working groups emerge policy in their field of study, but who are looking to make a statements and reports that seek to capture young wide impact through their work and passion for sci- researcher’s viewpoints on key issues from a multidis- ence. Applications are considered from those who are ciplinary and international perspective, in a way that in the early stages of an independent research career has not previously been possible. An excellent exam- in an evidence-based discipline, typically between 5 ple of this is the Sandton Declaration on Sustainability and 10 years from the completion of a Ph.D. or other that was the major outcome of the South Africa advanced degree. The membership is selected to general assembly, themed around the issue of sustain- ensure representation across disciplines and conti- ability and timed to coincide with the Rio+20 meeting. nents. Current GYA members include not only those The Sandton statement (see page 6) suggests scien- working in chemistry, but in physics, biology, engineer- tists share a responsibility for ensuring a sustainable ing, and related humanities fields, such as the history future and outlines a vision for how they might realize and philosophy of science and economics. Roughly this goal. In addition to being knowledge creators, equal weighting is given between those in developing scientists must be able to mobilize this knowledge and developed countries, with one co-chair selected and ensure it is used effectively. The key is engage- from each. The continued renewal of the organization ment at all levels of the decision-making process. is ensured by a turnover of its members, with initial Scientists need to do a better job at creating dialogue membership limited to two years with the possibility with industry, governments, funding agencies, and of renewing for another two. the general public. As a blueprint for the future, how appropriate that this came from the collective effort of Shaping Policy, Shaping Science early career researchers. While it is tempting to dismiss these sorts of state- Although barely two years old, the GYA has already ments as wishful thinking unlikely to have any broad made impressive progress towards its core goals impact, the GYA has increasingly managed to have through a combination of workshops, programs, and its voice heard at the highest levels of public dis- annual meetings. At the General Assembly held 20–23 course. Op-ed pieces from GYA members on issues May 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa, the quality and discussed by its membership have found their way scope of the discussions highlighted how the organiza- into top scientific journals like Nature4 and Science.5
CHEMISTRY International January-February 2013 5 GYA members have been invited to participate in high- Advancement of Science meeting in Vancouver in level international forums such as the World Economic February 2012, members of the GYA hosted a State of Forum and the InterAcademy Panel (IAP), a global Young Scientists forum, providing a high-profile forum network consisting of 115 national science academies. for early career researchers to engage with leaders in A recent major policy document authored by the IAP the scientific arena. Taken together, these activities and aimed at political leaders on global population suggest there is a growing willingness to listen to the and consumption was authored with input from GYA viewpoints of young scientists, and that the GYA is members. At a recent American Association for the well poised to provide this perspective.
The GYA Sandton in the last 20 years to take action. ment must be valued, and not seen Declaration on The aspirations that emerged as something best left to others. Sustainability from Rio have not been matched Third, we must foster scientific by commensurate actions, with literacy in the broadest sense. The Twenty years ago, the 1992 Rio the dangerous consequence that goal here is to ensure that cit- Conference on Environment and sustainability is now more distant izens have the tools to engage Development inspired a genera- than ever. We acknowledge the in societal debate and make tion of young people to take up complexity of the situation in a informed choices regarding the the global challenge of forging multistakeholder world with differ- future of their communities. The pathways to sustainability. Many of ent, sometimes opposing, interests. Global Young Academy will work those who did are now emerging Nonetheless, current trajectories to transform scientific education scientific leaders whose research must be reversed immediately. from rote-learning to inquiry-based programs are dedicated to under- Here, we offer three means for problem solving, at all levels from standing and discovering solutions scientists to accelerate progress kindergarten through post-second- to this challenge. These leaders are towards a sustainable future. ary education. An inquiry-based represented in the Global Young First, all scientists, whether aca- approach will illustrate how scien- Academy. demic, government, or industry- tific discoveries are made and how On the cusp of Rio+20, we stand based, must actively engage with past evidence catalyzes them. More in a unique position as inheritors civil society and decision makers to transparency will build both public of the world that was promised convey the urgency of the global trust in scientific information and in 1992. Having come of age in challenges that lay before us. The capacity to weigh evidence sup- the lead-up to Rio+20, we, the GYA will support efforts to bring porting competing positions in the Global Young Academy, now add scientific evidence to bear directly transition to sustainable develop- our voice to that of the established on the policy and decision-making ment. stakeholders from the scientific processes. By mobilizing scientific The world cannot spend another community. We are moved to do knowledge we will also help com- 20 years in further discussions so by the deep-seated belief of the munities understand how their about the path toward sustainabil- necessity to chart a vastly different choices may hinder or accelerate ity. Progress toward a sustainable course of action for our global soci- progress toward sustainable devel- future must accelerate, and it must ety over the next 20 years. opment goals. be both inclusive and enduring. The Global Young Academy rec- Second, obstacles to initiating The time for action, commensurate ognizes the vital role that scientific this dialogue must be overcome with the immediacy and diversity and technological innovation will within the scientific community of sustainability challenges, is right continue to play as we advance itself. The Global Young Academy now. The Global Young Academy toward sustainability. It is now, recognizes scientific excellence as believes that scientists, and sci- and must continue to be, a central a prerequisite to having a credible ence, are fundamental to realizing component of a sustainable future. voice in such discussion. Yet, we are the goals of sustainability. Rio+40 Yet, lack of scientific knowledge is concerned that metrics of success must be a celebration of progress. not the immediate impediment to for scientists typically discourage progress. Though we have much public engagement and outreach. GYA General Assembly held in Sandton, Johannesburg, to learn, we have learned enough This must change. Public engage- South Africa, 20–23 May 2012
6 CHEMISTRY International January-February 2013 A Transformative Experience then there is cause for optimism that the goals of the Sandton Declaration will be met. Getting involved with these sorts of activities at an early stage in a scientist’s research career can have a www.globalyoungacademy.net transformative effect on one’s outlook, motivating a young scientist to look beyond the lab bench and think Michael Sutherland
Is there a Y in IUPAC? tinguished researchers and to provide them Dan Rabinovich (U.S. YO in 2005 & 2009, with an opportunity to become involved associate member of the IUPAC Inorganic IUPAC has no committee of any sort in the work of the Union. The original Chemistry Division). devoted exclusively to the voices of the Young Observer program was developed by The co-author of this feature, Javier Young Chemists. The engine of the orga- the U.S. National Adhering Organization in Garcia-Martinez, is himself an example nization is project based and anyone can 1977 and adopted by other NAOs (including that IUPAC welcomes the participation of participate in that way. The organizational UK, Japan, and Canada) and, in 2003, by younger fellows. Garcia-Martinez is a mem- bodies, including the Council, the Bureau, IUPAC. To date, the program has supported ber of GYA and also of IUPAC, elected the Executive Committee, and several over 250 scientists, many of whom have in 2011 as a member of the Bureau, divisions and other standing committees continued to serve on IUPAC activities and representing the Spanish NAO. Javier’s are populated with elected members and remain actively involved by joining or chair- involvement in IUPAC started in 2006 when representatives from National Adhering ing committees or task groups. he became an associate member of the Organizations. Past Young Observers who are making Inorganic Chemistry Division. In 2008 To encourage more participation by a lasting impact on IUPAC include Mark he also became involved in the IUPAC young chemists in IUPAC activities and Cesa (U.S. YO in 1997, current IUPAC vice Committee on Chemistry Education and governance, a Young Observer program president, past chair of the U.S. National quickly established himself as a key player was established that provides an opportu- Committee for IUPAC (USNC), and former in the 2011 International Year of Chemistry nity for “Young Observers” to participate in chair of IUPAC Committee on Chemistry Global Water Experiment. sessions of the IUPAC General Assembly. and Industry), Angela Wilson (U.S. YO in (see call for Istanbul 2013, CI Nov 2012, p. 2003 & 2005, USNC vice chair, and titular —CI editor 16) The YO program strives to introduce the member/secretary of the IUPAC Physical work of IUPAC to a new generation of dis- and Biophysical Chemistry Division), and
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