Dr Saloni Krishnan from the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway has been selected as one of 67 members of the newly established UK Young Academy.
Dr Krishnan, a Reader in Cognitive Neuroscience, has joined the network of early career researchers and professionals established to help tackle local and global issues and promote meaningful change.
The UK Young Academy’s first cohort brings together members from across academia, charity organisations and the private sector, to galvanise their skills, knowledge, and experience to find innovative solutions to the challenges facing societies now and in the future.
The successful candidates include researchers, innovators, clinicians, professionals and entrepreneurs who have each made significant contributions to their field, while going above and beyond to make an impact outside of their main areas of work.
Members will have the opportunity to shape the strategy and focus of this new organisation, tapping into their collective knowledge and expertise to inform local and global policy discussions.
Dr Saloni Krishnan, said: “I’m excited to join forces with so many dynamic young leaders across a whole host of disciplines to find ways to improve our research culture.
“I feel honoured to have been chosen to be part of this new venture and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what great work we can all do together.”
The UK Young Academy has been established as an interdisciplinary collaboration with the Academy of Medical Sciences, British Academy, Learned Society of Wales, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Irish Academy, Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Royal Society. It joins the global initiative of Young Academies, with the UK Young Academy becoming the 50th to join the Young Academy movement.
Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society added: “We are delighted to introduce the first members of the UK Young Academy. This is a huge achievement for them and an exciting step for the UK in the Young Academy movement.
“It is vital that the next generation of researchers and professionals take their place on the frontlines of the issues that matter most. Finding solutions to global problems – pandemics, climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality – needs to be guided by collaborative thinking across a breadth of disciplines, life experiences and ideas.
“I look forward to seeing the first cohort take ownership of this new initiative with energy and enthusiasm as they set the foundations for the UK Young Academy.”
The successful applicants officially took up their posts on 1 January 2023 and membership runs for five years.
