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The UK Young Academy is an interdisciplinary organisation of UK-based early-career researchers, innovators and professionals from across society who share a passion to improve our world.
Opportunity Details
Applications are now open to become a member of the UK Young Academy.
Apply for membership to become part of a growing network of early-career innovators, professionals, academics, and entrepreneurs a voice for the advancement of issues that are important to them.
The UK Young Academy connects and develops talented individuals in the early years of their career from a wide range of sectors so they can collaborate to make a difference in the world.
They bring together the UK’s emerging leaders from industry, academia, medicine, education, business, the arts and other professions. Their members are selected from across the UK, from a variety of diverse backgrounds and a range of experiences. They are at the forefront of their field, having demonstrated excellence and leadership skills.
As a member of the UK Young Academy, you’ll join a dynamic network of early-career leaders from across the UK, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise from backgrounds ranging from academia, industry, the arts, business, and beyond.
They aim to empower early-career professionals to drive forward interdisciplinary solutions that respond to the world’s most pressing issues.
Their members work together to influence policy, lead innovative projects, and foster collaboration across disciplines — from climate resilience and education reform to health equity and responsible technology.
The activities and work programmes of a Young Academy are determined by its members. As the UK Young Academy is still new, their first members have set the direction and priorities to help establish our reputation and ensure we have a credible voice on issues that matter.
Take a look at our growing portfolio of member-led projects and activities. These projects cover a range of themes and activities in areas that matter most to our members and are expanding with further initiatives in the pipeline.
Their members are dedicated, driven and dynamic individuals who are committed to collaborating with others from a vast spectrum of different sectors.
By working together to understand the key issues facing society, the UK Young Academy advocates for best practices across the sectors our members represent and enable positive societal change.
Membership will typically be for five years, and there is no membership fee.
There are four requirements for membership. However, they encourage you to apply, even if you think you might not fit all the eligibility criteria. If you see yourself as early in your career and are passionate about their aims, they want to hear from you.
You’ll be in the early stages of a professional career
We are looking for forward-thinking, innovative, and proactive individuals across all key sectors of society. While not an exhaustive list, these might include entrepreneurs, researchers in academia or industry, engineers, professionals in the arts and creative industries, lawyers, teachers, clinicians, along with individuals working in business, charity and new and emerging fields.
You’ll have approximately 3-12 years’ experience in your field
Those eligible to apply will be in the early stages of their careers. Members will typically have at least three to twelve years of experience post-qualification or working in their profession, regardless of age. However, this is just a guide. We appreciate that career paths can take many twists and turns and anyone who has demonstrated excellence and leadership in their field will be considered.
You’ll have a track record of excellence
Members will be selected for their career excellence. Perhaps you’ve made a significant contribution to your field, won awards, or led a team to deliver an important new project. Your commitment and possible contribution to the UK Young Academy will also be important.
You must reside in the UK
Members will be selected from anywhere in the UK and from all backgrounds. Applicants will typically be UK citizens or live in the UK when they apply for membership, unless they have exceptional circumstances.
Applicants who are UK citizens but currently based overseas are eligible to apply. However, you should consider whether you can properly commit to the Young Academy and its activities, and aim to demonstrate this throughout your application.
Apply for UK Young Academy Membership