UK network recruits first cohort

The new network of early career researchers and professionals includes 67 members from the Royal Academy of Engineering.

UK and Ireland National Academies have announced the first members of the UK-wide Young Academy, including Abdalrhaman Mohamed Koko MIMMM.

The academy is part of a growing international initiative to give young, early-career innovators, professionals, academics and entrepreneurs a voice for the advancement of issues that are important to them.

The first cohort has the opportunity to shape the strategy and focus of the organisation and includes members from academia, not-for-profits and the private sector. The project hopes to galvanise their skills and knowledge.

By member nation there are 13% of members from Scotland, 7% from Wales, 5% from Northern Ireland with 75% of members from England. Also, 49% of members are women and 34% are from minority ethnic backgrounds

RAEng President Jim McDonald FREng FRSE said, 'I am pleased to see the number and diversity of engineers included in this first cohort of members, some of whom are already involved in our own Academy’s activities. I’m sure their passion, creativity and leadership will make an important contribution to the success of this exciting new interdisciplinary forum and that these talented people will help the Young Academy to make a positive impact on our future.'