How can young scientists influence and shape science policy in their homes and across the globe?

Abstract

Although policy making is generally thought to be the responsibility ofexperienced and senior bureaucrats, the voice of the younger generationand, in particular, the voice of early-career scientists is valuableto consider. History has repeatedly been shaped as the result of theactions of youth. Young people are among the creators of the greatreligions, the founders of civilizations, the heroes of our republics, and the innovators in the fields of art, science and technology. Take Albert Einstein, who at the age of 37, published the general theory of relativity. The energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and general open-mindedness that characterize early-career scientists equip them with the ability to pave the path for change in the area of science-based policy making, both locally and around the globe.