Events
European Young Academies Meet in Bern to Advance Science Policy Dialogue
16 06 2025
The Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (LMAJA, Lietuvos mokslų akademijos Jaunoji akademija), together with representatives from over twenty national young academies across Europe, participated in the annual meeting of the European National Young Academies (ENYA), held on 5–6 June 2025 in Bern, Switzerland. The event was hosted by the Swiss Young Academy. LMAJA was represented by Dr Rūta Ubarevičienė, the chair, and Assoc. Prof. Dr Arvydas Rimkus, a member of the Technical Sciences Section.
Dr Rūta Ubarevičienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr Arvydas Rimkus, representatives of LMAJA.
The main objective of the meeting was to strengthen collaboration among national young academies in Europe, foster international partnerships, and emphasise the importance of science diplomacy in addressing such key issues as academic freedom, evidence-based policymaking, and the inclusion of researchers in decision-making processes. Special attention was given to the role of early- and mid-career researchers in shaping science policy and in building an open, inclusive, and cooperation-based scientific ecosystem in Europe. The two-day programme included discussions, practical workshops, and interactive sessions focused on science communication, protection of academic freedom, the science-policy interface, and models of international cooperation.
Moment from ENYA Annual Meeting 2025.
The Lithuanian representatives, Dr Rūta Ubarevičienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr Arvydas Rimkus, participated in a session dedicated to science communication, where they explored how scientists can better engage with the public, enhance the accessibility of science, build trust, and contribute to an evidence-informed public discourse. This topic is closely aligned with LMAJA’s mission to strengthen science-based dialogue in Lithuania. The meeting also initiated the development of a joint position among European young academies on key science policy issues. Discussions covered potential formats for future collaboration, including the creation of thematic working groups and the preparation of joint statements and position papers to ensure a coordinated and visible presence of young academies in the European political and academic spheres.
Rūta Ubarevičienė, chair of LMAJA, with Oskars Teikmanis (left), chair of the Latvian Association of Young Researchers, and Toomas Vaimann, president of the Estonian Young Academy of Sciences.
The Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences is actively engaged in these processes, contributing to the development of shared content and strategic direction. Participation in high-level international meetings not only reinforces inter-institutional cooperation but also ensures that European science policy trends are consistently reflected and implemented in LMAJA’s national activities.
Dr Arvydas Rimkus, member of the Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences
Photos by Rūta Ubarevičienė, Arvydas Rimkus, and the Swiss Young Academy
