At-Risk Scholars and Professionals

The At-Risk Scholars and Professionals – UK Wide initiative connects scholars and professionals, whose careers have been disrupted by conflict, displacement, or persecution, with membership opportunities, resources, and support from the UK Young Academy.

The project aims to help participants rebuild their careers in the UK, through opportunities like:

• UK Young Academy Membership,
• Mentoring,
• Professional training,
• Practical guidance for navigating the UK’s specific academic and professional landscapes.

The practical and participant-focused initiative supports at-risk individuals to continue their professional work and support the long-term development of their home countries, whilst also capitalising on and championing the talents, perspectives, and expertise of at-risk scholars and professionals, to the benefit of the UK.

While the project aims to support those across a wide range of sectors and career stages, its primary focus is on early-career individuals facing risk.

Key project outcomes

• Dedicated UK Young Academy membership route: enable eligible candidates to have the opportunity to apply for a five-year membership to the UK Young Academy.
• Mentorship scheme: partner at-risk individuals with UK Young Academy members for one-to-one sessions and wider network access.
• Professional skills training: support the Global Young Academy’s annual skills workshop and deliver our own skills and development workshops.
• Resource development: develop a ‘Beginner’s guide to academia in the UK’ resource, with input and collaboration with stakeholders across the UK and across sectors.
• International engagement: have a presence at international events to enable shared learning and awareness building

The At-Risk Scholars and Professionals scheme:

As part of this programme of work, the At-Risk Scholars and Professionals (ARSaP) scheme was opened to academics from the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) network. Eligible candidates from Cara, as part of their Fellowship Programme and Alumni network, can apply through a separate route to membership.

In 2026, the scheme will be opened more broadly, with a particular focus on encouraging applications from at-risk individuals from across various sectors beyond academia.

The initiative is part of a global programme successfully implemented by other Young Academies, including the Young Academy of Scotland, The Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, and the Global Young Academy. If you would like to speak to a member of staff about this project, please email us at enquiries@ukyoungacademy.org.