Rama Krishna Sangem
A week-long gathering of more than 200 young scientist delegates from 60 countries concluded on a highly successful note with a promise to resolve global challenges faced by humanity by working together collaboratively with commitment. On the last day, the leadership of twelve National Young Academies (NYAs) from the Asia-Pacific Region met with an aim of reinforcing regional coordination, exchanging best practices, advancing science diplomacy, capacity building and sustainable development.
Through a series of deliberations, a common consensus was achieved, which marked the landmark ‘Hyderabad Declaration on the Launch of the Network of Asia-Pacific Young Academies (NAYA)’, which will serve as a regional collaborative platform to Connect, Strengthen and Mentor early and mid-career researchers, said a press release from IIT Hyderabad.
Under the leadership of Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), the following academies provided the homogenous support to form the first of its kind network of young scientific academies of Asia Pacific Region abbreviated NAYA – National Young Academy of Nepal (NAYAN), Young Scientist Network (YSN-ASM) Malaysia, Vietnam Young Academy, Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS), Royal Society of New Zealand ECR Forum, The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, Thai Young Scientists Academy (TYSA), Young Academy of Japan, Australian EMCR Forum, World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS) China and the Global Young Academy (GYA).
Fostering collaborative research
Prof BS Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, stated, “IITH is honoured to host this prestigious global gathering of emerging scientific leaders. The event beautifully reflects our vision of fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and inclusive research environment. By bringing together brilliant minds from across the world, we have not only strengthened international scientific dialogue but also reaffirmed our commitment to empowering young researchers to drive innovation for a better, more sustainable future.”
On this occasion, Prof Chandra Shekhar Sharma, Immediate Past Co-Chair of Global Young Academy and Former Chair of INYAS, said that “It’s a historic moment. The efforts started almost five years back and I am so glad that it came to light today under the present leadership of INYAS. This NAYA declaration will pave the way of seamless coordination among the young scientists in Asia-Pacific region to have a broader impact on society at large. Prof Sharma thanked the International Science Council for their continued support to realize this network”
This development successfully wrapped up the Annual General Meeting of the Global Young Academy (GYA) and International Conference of Young Scientists 2025, themed “Confluence of Visionaries: Empowering Science for Global Change” scheduled from 08–14 June at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, India while meeting all objectives successfully.
Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the meet
The formal commencement included a ceremonial Inaugural in the august presence of Honorable Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan along with other dignitaries. The conference witnessed symbolic tree plantation and high-level plenaries on international innovation ecosystems and ESG frameworks. Participants also participated in research presentations, GYA Activities Fair and thematic research sessions, an indication of the Academy’s dedication to diversified scientific discourse and knowledge sharing in collaboration.
