Applying for membership

Membership applications are reviewed by a selection committee, 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.

All membership decisions from the selection committee are final. See the applicant guidance for further information to support your application.

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.

You can document information about any career breaks you have taken in the ‘Career History’ section of the application form, or any other free text field in the application that you feel is most appropriate.

Membership is for five years, and we are looking for individuals who will actively contribute to our activities and work programmes.

The UK Young Academy expects that members will spend roughly 4 – 5 hours per month on Young Academy activities. This typically includes attending online events, project meetings and occasional networking events or development opportunities. However, members are encouraged to make the most out of their 5-year membership by engaging as much as they feel able. Opportunities for leadership roles and other activities, including project work, may potentially increase average monthly involvement. In addition, members are expected to attend a full-day All Members’ Meeting each spring.

We recognise that there are many different routes into careers and do not have any stipulations on the type or number of qualifications an applicant must have to be eligible for membership to the UK Young Academy. Any early-career individual who has demonstrated excellence and leadership in their field will be considered.

Generally, our membership selection committee looks for candidates with slightly more experience than PhD researchers can offer, looking for those who have approximately 3-12 years’ experience post-qualification in their field. We usually expect this to mean after completing your PhD and gaining relevant experience in your field. However, we also recognise that some PhD students may have taken an education gap or obtained experience in your area of work before further study. Therefore, if you have already demonstrated excellence and leadership in your field, you may well be considered.

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.