As a rule, the Swiss Young Academy has 25 – 30 members from different scientific disciplines and universities. Prerequisites for the five-year membership are outstanding achievements at university level, motivation and willingness to show a high level of commitment and a keen interest in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary cooperation and a connection to research, education and innovation in Switzerland.
Diversity and inclusion are as central to the work of the Swiss Young Academy as is equal opportunity. They therefore welcome applications from academics from underrepresented groups in the higher education landscape. When selecting their members, they also pay special attention to diversity in terms of language regions, gender, academic disciplines, types of higher education institutions, academic degrees and age.
As part of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, the Swiss Young Academy provides young researchers the opportunity to carry out inter- and transdisciplinary projects and activities at the many intersections of science and society. The Young Academy gives voice to young academics in Switzerland and serves as a networking platform to bring together individuals from many different scientific fields and institutions of higher education. In addition, it creates an inspiring setting for innovative ideas and projects.
The Swiss Young Academy is composed of a General assembly with 25–30 members, an Advisory Council and an Administrative Office. Every year the plenary meeting elects an Executive Board from among the members. A speaker and a co-speaker are also elected and they head the Executive Board. While the Administrative Office performs organizational, structural and administrative tasks, the Advisory Council assists the members with their joint projects. The Advisory Council members also act as mentors. The head office of the Swiss Young Academy is in the House of Academies in Bern.
Benefits
- As a member of the Swiss Young Academy, you become part of the largest scientific network in Switzerland;
- You play an important role in representing other up-and-coming scientists;
- through your work on joint projects, the members of the Young Academy present recommendations for science- and social-policy challenges;
- You also benefit from a mentoring programme for five years as well as personal support measures that will strengthen your skills;
- You have access to the infrastructure of the House of the Academies, the headquarter of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences in Bern, for meetings and events.
Eligibilities
- An interest in inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation and the implementation of joint and personal projects
- Outstanding achievements at university level
- Willingness to take part in the general assemblies held each year (one to three times a year)
- Be aged no more than 40 years when taking office
- Academic connection to research, innovation and education in Switzerland
- A specialist medical training (for doctors) or a doctorate (for all other scientists) or the highest possible degree that was completed no more than seven years ago.
- Good knowledge of English (correspondence language is English)
Eligible Regions: 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
Application Process
- Applications should be filled in personally by the candidate.
- Please also upload your motivation letter (template above), a letter of support, CV and photo (300dpi).
- By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be included in the database of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences and that we may contact you.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
