Welsh researchers are encouraged to apply to join the UK Young Academy. This year’s round of applications also includes an initiative to support at-risk academics.

The UK Young Academy formed in 2022 and operates under the auspices of the Royal Society. It is an interdisciplinary network of early-career researchers and professionals, established to tackle societal issues and promote meaningful change. The Learned Society of Wales is one of its seven partner academies, operating across the UK and Ireland.

“We encourage innovators, researchers and professionals based in Wales to put their name forward for the UK Young Academy, whether they’re applying for the first time or resubmitting an application,” said Dr Barbara Ibinarriaga-Soltero, our Programme Manager for Researcher Development.

“The UK Young Academy is a forum for talented, emerging leaders to apply their own expertise alongside that of colleagues from other fields.

“Joining it will allow Welsh representatives to participate in discussions that address societal challenges, inform public debate and collaborate to bring about meaningful change.

“It’s a great opportunity to put Wales at the heart of a UK-wide network. Our researcher development team is happy to support your application.”

Wales and our Early Career Researchers Network are already represented on the UK Young Academy, with Dr Muhammad Naeem Anwar (Royal Society-Newton International Fellow, Swansea University) and Dr Barbara Hughes-Moore (Lecturer in Law, Cardiff University) involved in the development of its strategic plan.

Dr Hughes-Moore also co-leads on a UK Young Academy IMAGINE initiative that encourages young people to imagine a future for themselves and others. Meanwhile, Dr Mirain Rhys (Senior Lecturer, Psychology, Cardiff Metropolitan University) is part of the THRIVE Project, exploring the distinctive challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals entering the workforce.

If you would like further information about applying for the UK Young Academy, we would be delighted to help. Please contact our researcher development team at researcherdevelopment@lsw.wales.ac.uk.

The UK Young Academy has also produced a ‘top tips’ page with useful guidance.