Egypt plans to set up an academy of science for young researchers to support top up-and-coming scientists and encourage them to play a pivotal role in developing future strategies for socio-economic development.

The Egyptian Academy of Young Scientists, or EYAS, was announced by Tarek Hussein, President of the Cairo-based Academy of Scientific Research and Technology. It will be an outcome of a programme supported by the Italian-based InterAcademy Panel on International Issues.

"EYAS will have crucial influence on science in Egypt," Hussein told University World News, adding that young scientists could play an important role in knowledge transfer and could contribute significantly to new technology in the country.

"They will take the opportunity to participate in setting up national strategic and future plans, to share in international cooperation, hold bilateral and multilateral agreements with their counterparts and represent Egypt in international and regional forums and meetings."

Hussein said it was expected four panels would be formed, each including 10 to 15 scientists working in different fields, including basic science, engineering, agriculture and health and life sciences.

Besides helping young scientists search for scholarships and grants for their research programmes, and to compete for regional and international prizes, EYAS will promote networking to enhance knowledge transfer, promote innovation and increase science awareness.

The academy is aimed at scientists aged 40 years and under working in research centres and universities, who have demonstrated excellent research accomplishments. They are expected to be experienced in education and/or scientific administration, display leadership qualities, have excellent communication skills and be fluent in English.

They should also have an interest in science policy and science communication and be familiar with global issues and international programmes in science and technology and science-based sustainable development.

But Hussein said the door was open to all scientists to share the academy's activities. Four of its accepted members will be invited to attend the Interacademy Panel's third Young Scientists Conference to be held in Tianjin in China in September.

The conference will be held in conjunction with the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions. This year's theme is Driving Growth through Sustainability.

Comment:
It seems a very good idea. I would be glad to help by any means (as a volunteer).

Ibrahim Khattab

Comment:
The InterAcademy Panel (IAP) on International Issues is keen to support and establish all National Young Academies (NYAs) around the globe as well as Global Young Academy (GYA). They held a workshop for this purpose in Berlin 14-16 February 2010 and I participated as a Young Scientist from Pakistan. We, young scientists from around 22 countries, established GYA and our focus is on NYAs. Sudan has also founded one and Pakistan is also supposed to establish Pakistan Academy of Young Scientsts (PAYS) with support from Pakistan Academy of Sciences. GYA in Berlin produced a blue print for NYAs with detailed principles, objects, output, measures etc. We will shortly circulate to all academies through IAP. I shall be be thankful if this information would be highlight in this website. This might helpful for other countries to establish NYAs.

Dr. M. Akhyar Farrukh,
Assistant Professor,
GC University Lahore

Comment:
The Sudanese Academy of Young Scientists (SAYS) is a non-governmental organisation affiliated to the Sudanese National Academy of Sciences (SNAS). On 15 January 2007, its inaugural meeting in the Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, discussed and approved the proposal prepared by the founding members for establishing the Academy. The main goal is to bring together young scientists from different disciplines and backgrounds in a forum that addresses issues of basic and applied sciences.

SAYS is in contact with young scientists from developing countries to help them built their own academies, as SAYS hopes to initiate a young scientists' inter-Academy Panel. So we would be most honoured to help in establishing young academies in Egypt and Pakistan.

Hisham Y. Hassan,
molecular biologist and Secretary General,
Sudanese Academy of Young Scientists

Comment:
This is a great news. I hope it will be established soon. I am an Egyptian young scientist - actually a pharmacist. I am interested in nanotechnology and its relation to pharmaceutical sciences. One day I hope to be a member of this academy and serve patients in my country and all over the world.
Wesam Ahmed Tawfik

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