The UK Young Academy brings together professionals, innovators, clinicians, researchers, academics, and entrepreneurs from across the UK to tackle global issues.
Established in 2022, the UK Young Academy is an interdisciplinary collaboration with the following prestigious national academies: the Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Learned Society of Wales, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Irish Academy, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Royal Society. It joins the global initiative of Young Academies, with the UK Young Academy becoming the 50th to join the Young Academy movement.
Last year, four Loughborough University academics were selected to be founding members of the Academy (the most of any other higher education institution) and the University is once again offering an intensive programme of mentoring and training to support suitable applicants.
Vice Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings said: “I am very supportive of the UK Young Academy and strongly encourage colleagues and alumni who are emerging early-career leaders to apply. The Academy is an impressive interdisciplinary initiative that aligns with our University vision and will provide an invaluable opportunity for passionate individuals with diverse experiences and expertise to come together to discuss and drive meaningful change on societal challenges.”
Eligibility
To apply, you’ll need to:
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Be in the early stages of a professional career
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Have between 3-12 years of experience in your field
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Provide evidence to demonstrate a track record of excellence
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Reside in the UK (more information on this can be found on the UK Young Academy’s website.)
Even if you’re not sure that you’ll meet all the criteria, the UK Young Academy still encourages individuals to apply. Those who have been on career breaks (including parental and adoptive leave or extended sick leave) will also be considered. In addition, for this membership round, the UK Young Academy are particularly interested to receive applications from those who work in non-academic roles or the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
What does the application form consist of?
There are three main sections that cover (1) an applicant's career history (2) a personal statement and (3) how applicants feel they will contribute towards the UK Young Academy. For the latter, applicants are asked (if they are able and feel comfortable doing so) to provide a three-minute video. Applicants are also required to submit details of two referees. The closing date is 3 October 2023.
How much time will you need to commit as a member?
Membership lasts for five years with a minimal time commitment of 4-5 hours/month. However, the UK Young Academy will support and encourage members to contribute as much time as they are able to. Optional leadership opportunities will also be available to members which may require additional time.
What support will be provided by Loughborough University?
The Organisational Development team (Enhanced Academic Practice) has created a bespoke support package to assist with the application process and it is strongly recommended that applicants take up this opportunity. Support includes mentorship to receive feedback on the written application form, and training to aid the video aspect of the submission.
Please complete this short internal form by 10am, 7 August 2023 to express interest and note that your expression of interest will be shared with the Dean of your School/Head of your Professional Service and other University Senior Management to determine your suitability. You may also wish to inform your line manager.
As a university, we recognise that there are societal and institutional barriers in place that work against supporting the development and progression of careers for those with protected characteristics. We are actively encouraging and supporting individuals from minority groups to apply for this opportunity.
How can I become a mentor to those applying to the UK Young Academy?
Loughborough University is keen to provide opportunities for colleagues to connect and develop each other. Therefore, academic staff from various disciplines, those in academic supporting roles, and alumni are encouraged to put themselves forward to mentor those applying to the UK Young Academy.
The time commitment is not expected to be onerous; it is envisaged that mentors will be allocated up to two mentees each and provide approximately three hours of support per applicant during August and September to provide constructive feedback on their application. Mentors may also be asked to provide feedback on the three-minute videos that mentees are required to submit as part of the application.
If you would like to be a mentor, please complete this short form by 10am, 7 August 2023 and inform your line manager. Your expression of interest will be shared with the Dean of your School/Head of your Professional Service and other University Senior Management to highlight your willingness to support colleagues.
If you have any questions or need more information or support, please contact Dr Katryna Kalawsky.