Asia-Pacific young scientists launch NAYA network at IIT-Hyderabad

Over 200 young scientists from 60 countries convened at IIT-Hyderabad to foster global scientific collaboration. The event concluded with the launch of NAYA, a regional platform aimed at empowering young researchers and promoting science diplomacy across the Asia-Pacific.

Sangareddy: A week-long gathering of over 200 young scientist delegates from 60 countries concluded on a high note at the Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad (IIT-H), with a collective commitment to address global challenges through scientific collaboration.

On the final day, representatives from twelve National Young Academies (NYAs) across the Asia-Pacific region convened to strengthen regional coordination, share best practices, and promote science diplomacy, capacity building and sustainable development.

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The deliberations culminated in the landmark Hyderabad Declaration on the launch of the Network of Asia-Pacific Young Academies (NAYA)—a first-of-its-kind regional collaborative platform aimed at connecting, supporting and mentoring early- and mid-career researchers.

Spearheaded by the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), the initiative received unanimous backing from participating academies including: the 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).

IIT-Hyderabad Director Prof B S Murty said the event brought together brilliant minds from across the world, reinforcing international scientific dialogue and reaffirming the institute’s commitment to empowering young researchers to drive innovation for a sustainable future.

Prof Chandra Shekhar Sharma, immediate past co-chair of the Global Young Academy and former Chair of INYAS, said the NAYA declaration would enable seamless coordination among young scientists in the Asia-Pacific region and create broader societal impact. He also expressed gratitude to the International Science Council for its continued support in making the network a reality.

The Global Young Academy’s annual general body meeting, hosted for the first time in India, was held at IIT-H from June 8 to 14.