The South African Young Academy of Science inaugurated 10 new top young scientists as members at its annual Inauguration Ceremony
SAYAS was launched in 2011 as a mechanism to propel South Africa’s young scientists to fully participate in local and internationally relevant research and development agendas. It provides a national platform where leading young scholars from all disciplines in the country can interact, and also access international networking and career development opportunities.

Young scientists represent the future of a country’s science and technology development and their inclusion from an early stage in the processes that build a country’s system of innovation is critical. Over the last few years, several initiatives, internationally, have been implemented to motivate active research by young scientists as recognition of the crucial role they play in the future of a nation. As in other countries, young scientists in South Africa are drawn from a broad background in recognition that the solution of local and global challenges requires deep understanding across disciplines and cultures.

The ten new SAYAS members were selected from 52 nominations and represent highly skilled individuals across the science spectrum, representing 10 unique fields of study and 8 universities. The goals of SAYAS include contribution to career development of young and emerging scientists; provision of mentoring and role modeling services to learners and the youth; promotion of science awareness among learners, youth and society in general; fostering of links between South African young scientists and those in the rest of Africa and globally; and fostering of links between young scientists and the business community.

SAYAS also aims to provide evidence-based policy advice to government and society on issues affecting young scientists. SAYAS collaborates with the established Academy of Science of South Africa on projects and activities related to young scientists’ development. It also links up with the Global Young Academy of sciences to provide opportunities for South African young scientists to interact internationally with other young scientists.