Over 150 early- and mid-career researchers from about 60 countries will gather in Washington, D.C., this week to make connections, plant the seeds for future collaborations, and explore how STEM can help societies address complex challenges now and in the future.  

The 2024 International Conference of Young Scientists is being hosted by the U.S. National Academies’ New Voices in Science, Engineering, and Medicine and the Global Young Academy.

The theme of the conference is “Transformative and Inclusive Science for a Sustainable Future.” Public sessions on May 8 and 9 will examine how recent technological advances and efforts toward diverse and inclusive science can contribute to solutions. Speakers include NAS President Marcia McNutt, Vint Cerf, Patricia Gruber, Gregory Weiss, Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, Sudip Parikh, Frances Colon, Mohamed Abdel-Kader, and many more.

“Our planet is at another critical point in time, and it will take all of us coming together and collaborating to solve the world’s hardest problems,” said Tyrone Grandison, a member of New Voices and the Global Young Academy who co-chaired the organizing committee for the conference. “Earth’s future depends on our youth joining forces, across geographic borders, to create the next generation of innovations. In the process, we have to ensure that we are solving the right problems, that all voices are included — at all levels and in all stages — and that the impact is equitably distributed and felt by everyone. Our solutions also need to be self-sustaining and positively contribute to the lives of future generations. This conference is one step in this journey.”

New Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is a leadership engagement program that promotes collaboration among outstanding early- and mid-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals during a two-year term of service. The program aims to expand the diversity of expertise engaged in the convening and advisory functions of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine while building a network of emerging U.S. leaders to address national and global challenges.

The Global Young Academy (GYA) is an independent academy with members from all continents whose mission is to give a voice to young scientists around the world. GYA members engage in working groups, strategic projects, and collaborations with international partner organizations. The GYA also supports the establishment and coordination of National Young Academies and similar initiatives worldwide.

View the meeting agenda and register to attend the public sessions on May 8 and 9 virtually or in person.

For more information about the co-hosts:

• New Voices at the National Academies

• Global Young Academy