Response—The Time of Young Scientists

Abstract

Diamandis has raised a number of important concerns about the role of young scientists in the science-policy dialogue. However, we strongly believe that his message—focus on science—runs contrary to the interests of young scientists and the broader scientific community. In many countries, particularly less-developed countries, the value of science and scientists is underestimated. Young scientists are particularly vulnerable. The societal recognition we alluded to in our Editorial does not immediately concern the Nobel Prizes or membership in National Academies referred to by Diamandis, which are quite naturally connected with seniority. Of greater concern are more mundane forms of recognition, such as societal leaders understanding and emphasizing the importance of young scientists for the well-being of the country, as well as academic freedom, independence, job security, and decent pay for talented young researchers. The formation of Young Academies is one important step to address and improve these issues. Judging by the success of the Young Academies of Germany and the Netherlands ([ 1 ][1]), it appears that connecting the brightest across fields (including not only the natural sciences but the social sciences and humanities as well) yields novel modes of communication with society, authentic advice on science policy, and innovation in interdisciplinary fields. The last aspect directly strengthens the core business of the young scientist, which is and remains doing excellent research. The Young Academies movement represents a model of scientific creativity and achievement quite different from that advocated by Diamandis, which more closely resembles top-down learning and rituals of initiation. We believe that all generations can contribute to science policy and management, and involving young scientists early in their career will help improve science's impact on society. For example, in Canada, young scientists have been major drivers behind a number of important recent initiatives at the science-policy interface, including the creation of a new prestigious postdoctoral fellowship program and a national forum on science policy (Canadian Science Policy Centre; ). The selection process for membership in the Global Young Academy involves rigorous peer review by both senior and young scientists. Although we share the author's concern that senior scientists may try to pack the ranks with their proteges, we will allow self-nominations to help alleviate this potential problem. The final decision on election depends on broadly accepted standards of excellence, and remains that of the Global Young Academy, not the nominators. Our success to date owes no small debt to visionary support by senior scientists like Diamandis. We appreciate his well-documented interest in mentoring and advancing the careers of young scientists, and we hope he'll join us in recognizing and inviting to the table young academicians. 1. [↵][2] Junge Akademie Magazin (June 2010); [www.diejungeakademie.de/publikationen/magazin\_db/frameset\_02.php?id_mag=13][3]. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [3]: http://www.diejungeakademie.de/publikationen/magazin_db/frameset_02.php?id_mag=13