FAQs

The maximum age of 40 years is an indicative value and one criterion among many. Each application is assessed individually and CVs are reviewed individually. 

Generally, we recommend that members already hold a PhD. However, it is not a reason for rejection. We have simply observed that many PhD students go abroad after completing their PhD and we wish that the members can be on site for meetings in the project group and our general assemblies. Also, usually doctoral students have a very densely regulated work schedule, so that there is little room for extracurricular activities. But of course, this is also an individual matter. 

The letter of support should be from a person who can provide information about you as a person and your work. This can be a supervisor, but also a mentor. There are no specific criteria for how it should be written. 

The inauguration is on the day of the admission ceremony, which is normally in mid-June.

You will find all the information you need on our website

There is no specification, i.e. each person can apply more than once. 

Because there is both a need for a young voice within the Academies and a need for mentoring and support among young researchers.

The members implement inter- and transdisciplinary projects at the interfaces between science and society and are supported by the Association of the Academies. They promote the scientific discourse and comment on science-policy developments, particularly on the vocational and social situation of young researchers and the development of a sustainable science culture. The members are contact persons in the national and international context and represent the diversity of Swiss science.

The Swiss Young Academy was established in December 2019.

A five-year development programme for young researchers, during which members can further develop their own scientific competencies with personal projects and enhance the Swiss science landscape with joint projects. They are given an opportunity to take part in a mentoring programme that strengthens their competencies and they are part of a national and international network.

Each member receives CHF 1,000 a year for personal projects. The joint projects are supported to the tune of CHF 30,000 a year. A total of CHF 150,000 is available for joint projects.

As soon as a new call for members is opened, you can have a look at our website to see if you meet the membership criteria, fill in the application form and upload the requested documents!

25–30 young researchers up to the age of 40. But the exception proves the rule.

An Election Commission, composed of representatives from the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences and the Swiss Young Academy, prepares a nomination list to be presented to the Members' Assembly of the Swiss Young Academy, which conducts the election. The election is then confirmed by the Board of Directors of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences.

Bottom-up, by the General assembly and its Executive Board and with the support of a Sounding Board and the Administrative Office of the Young Academy.

It normally consists of five members. A speaker and a co-speaker are elected from among its own members. They represent the Young Academy externally and head the Executive Board. The term of office of the Executive Board is one year.

The Sounding Board acts as an advisory body and supports the members of the Swiss Young Academy in their joint projects. It consists of 6-12 experienced individuals from the academic environment and/or the Academies, as well as experts from outside of academia.

It is part of the general secretariat of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences and is managed by a scientific collaborator. Its head office is in the House of Academies in Bern.