Young scientists come together in global network

The closing session of the world science forum in Budapest, Hungary, on 18 November, saw the announcement of a new organisation for young researchers - the 'World academy of young scientists' (WAYS). The founders described their mission as creating 'a permanent global network...

The closing session of the world science forum in Budapest, Hungary, on 18 November, saw the announcement of a new organisation for young researchers - the 'World academy of young scientists' (WAYS).

The founders described their mission as creating 'a permanent global network for the young scientific community that provides regular input into decision making on science and technology.'

The establishment of WAYS can be traced back to the international forum for young scientists, a satellite event of the 1999 world conference on science, where UNESCO made a commitment to creating a permanent representative body for young scientists. It is intended that WAYS will provide fora, both real and virtual, where young researchers will have the opportunity to exchange views on science policy and their own research.

One of the principle aims of the new network will also be to bridge the gap between North and South.

The first WAYS general assembly will take place in Tunisia during autumn 2004, and in the meantime, the founders are seeking young scientists from across the world to take part in the organisation's development.