Applying for Membership

Applications for membership are reviewed by a selection commitee, which comprises members from the UK Young Academy and individuals selected by the seven partner academies covering different areas of knowledge, expertise and geography. Applications are considered using the selection criteria given below.

Timeline for the 2023 selection process:

• 3 October: Deadline for applications
• 10 October: Deadline for referees to submit supporting statements
• October 2023 – February 2024: Review of applications by the selection committee
• Spring 2024: Applicants will be contacted about application outcome

All membership decisions from the selection committee are final.

The application form consists of three main sections that cover an applicant’s:

1. Career history (Section 1 and throughout application, 50% of score). Reviewers are looking for demonstrated excellence in career and professional achievement. This is viewed as a threshold criterion for membership.
2. Personal statement (Section 2, 25% of score). Applicants will need to demonstrate evidence or capacity for leadership, and involvement or enthusiasm for innovation and entrepreneurial activity; interdisciplinary working and participation in international collaboration.
3. Vision and commitment to the UK Young Academy (Section 3, 25% of score). This section looks for demonstrated evidence of flair for innovative and creative thinking, interest in both global and national professional and societal policy issues; international collaboration and demonstrable commitment to UK Young Academy activity, which could be support from your organisation to take part in Young Academy activities.

Applications are scored by the selection committee according to their strengths in these areas, together with other relevant skills and experience you might have.

Although we are a “young” academy, our members range from their mid-20s to their mid-40s. However this is just a guideline, and if you are early in your career and meet the selection criteria, you will be considered, regardless of age.

While our members might be youthful and early in their careers, we are not a youth organisation. Our name is intended to align us with the global Young Academy movement and to collaborate as part of this international network is a key reason for establishing the UK Young Academy.

We appreciate that career paths can take many twists and turns. When reviewing applicants’ eligibility, documented career breaks (including parental leave, adoptive leave or extended sick leave) will be taken into consideration.

Membership is for five years. We encourage members to put in as much time as they feel they are able to, and are looking for individuals who will actively contribute to the UK Young Academy’s activities and work programmes.

There will be optional leadership opportunities available to members which may require additional time commitment.

Applications for membership of the UK Young Academy are open to any individual in their early to mid-career stage regardless of the sector you work in; from the arts to the sciences, business to sport. Even if your field of expertise falls outside any of those mentioned elsewhere on this website, your contribution could still be vital, and we encourage you to apply.

Yes, absolutely. If you are already a member of another Young Academy you can also apply for membership at the UK Young Academy, providing you are able to meet your commitment responsibilities and are eligible.

Similarly with research fellowships, membership to other early-career networks or forums, and equivalent schemes in the professional sectors. There are no restrictions on also applying for UK Young Academy membership, providing you are still able to commit the minimum time requirements to our work programmes and activities.