IIT Hyderabad is hosting the GYA Annual General Meeting in India for the first time.
Over 200 delegates from 60 countries participate in the global scientific gathering.
Thematic sessions address ESG, Health, Industry 5.0, and innovation and entrepreneurship.
The conference fosters international collaboration and leadership among young scientists.
HYDERABAD, JUNE 10, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in collaboration with the Global Young Academy (GYA), the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), and the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), is hosting the International Conference of Young Scientists – Confluence of Visionaries: Empowering Science for Global Change from June 8 to 14, 2025.
This week-long event, being held for the first time in India, marks a significant milestone in bringing together the next generation of global scientific leaders to collaborate on science-driven solutions for global challenges.
The Inauguration Ceremony is being graced by the presence of Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, as the Chief Guest. The event hosts 135 international delegates representing 60 countries, along with 65 national delegates, thereby establishing a truly diverse and inclusive forum. It also features the Annual General Meeting of the Global Young Academy (GYA), facilitating in-depth dialogue and strategic engagement among emerging leaders in the global scientific community.
The conference features dynamic discussions and thematic sessions on:
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
Health and Nutrition for Global Wellness
Industry 5.0: Augmenting Human-Machine Interface
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Global Landscape
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the theme of India’s G20 Presidency, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” emphasising India’s ancient tradition of knowledge creation rooted in curiosity, sustainability, and ethics. Referencing India’s scientific heritage, he spoke of the contributions of ancient philosophers and the nation’s remarkable progress through milestones in space missions, food security, automation, robotics, and big data. He stressed the importance of inclusivity in the digital domain, noting India’s development of large language models, digital public infrastructure, and direct benefit systems—initiatives that exemplify how science is transforming lives. He underscored Vishwa Bandhutva—global solidarity—through international collaboration in science.
Highlighting the potential of the conference, Prof. Asutosh Sharma, President of the Indian National Science Academy, explained, “He emphasised that the future lies in autonomous decision-making, driven by the integration of both sciences and social sciences. Referring to the ongoing ‘March of Technology,’ he underlined the importance of a global understanding to address global challenges. He spoke of the need to strike two key balances—age and gender—to effectively tackle the externalities affecting the world. In the evolving landscape shaped by Science, Technology, and Innovation, he stressed the significance of diversity, inclusion, and globalisation. Empowering the youth, he said, requires integrating their aspirations into policy and practice. Highlighting India’s emergence as a global partner, he attributed this progress to the collective will of its citizens and the government, guided by forward-looking policies and initiatives. He concluded by advocating for the creation of a new academic order led by young scientific academies across the globe.”
Demonstrating the activities of the GYA, Yensi Flores Bueso, Co-chair, GYA, briefed the gathering about the mission, vision and involvement of GYA in the international scientific domain. She further highlighted the activities that inculcate the values of leadership, network globally and capacity building.
Expressed Enthusiasm about the gathering. Dr B V R Mohan Reddy, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Hyderabad, discussed pressing national issues that demand global thinking and visionary leadership. He emphasised that science must ultimately serve humanity, highlighting its role as a powerful tool for societal good. He noted that the transformation underway—driven by the New Education Policy and strengthened by public-private collaboration—is shaping a more innovative and inclusive future. Science, he stated, carries the responsibility of transforming our way of living, and must be the kind of science that inspires trust and translates knowledge into impactful solutions.”
Sharing his vision for the interdisciplinary research, Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IITH, expressed immense pride in hosting such a globally significant event. “It is an honour for IITH to serve as the platform for global young scientific minds to unite and explore interdisciplinary solutions for a better world. This conference exemplifies our commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and nurturing scientific leadership on a global scale. We strongly believe that empowering early-career researchers with such platforms not only accelerates innovation but also contributes meaningfully to addressing pressing global challenges. IITH remains dedicated to advancing science and technology for the betterment of society and the planet at large,” he noted.
Reflecting on the significance of the conference, Prof Chandra Shekhar Sharma, Department of Chemical Enginnering, IITH, Co-Chair of the Conference, stated, “This year’s AGM, themed “Confluence of Visionaries: Empowering Science for Global Change,” is a testament to our shared commitment to addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research, leadership, and evidence-based policy engagement. India, with its legacy of scientific excellence and youthful dynamism, provides the perfect backdrop for fostering meaningful discussions, forming new partnerships, and inspiring actionable solutions
The conference not only fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange but also strengthened global networks among early-career researchers, promoting leadership, inclusivity, and global engagement in science and innovation.
As part of the inaugural program, IIT Hyderabad also organized a Mega Plantation Drive in line with its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This green initiative saw the plantation of approximately 500 flowering and shade trees across the campus, symbolizing the growth of global scientific collaboration and ecological responsibility.
On this special occasion, the Hon’ble Minister of Education unveiled a concise booklet highlighting the remarkable research contributions of PMRF scholars at IIT Hyderabad. The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) stands as a flagship initiative embodying India’s commitment to nurturing future research leaders in science and engineering. With exceptional fellowship support and robust research funding, the program empowers the nation’s brightest minds to drive innovation and address critical societal challenges. The compendium showcases the pioneering work undertaken at IITH—where PMRF scholars are not only advancing the frontiers of knowledge but also shaping impactful solutions for a better tomorrow.
contemporary topics INYAS actively strives to connect young scientists and early career researchers from India and around the world, promoting science. INYAS serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, the initiation of scientific discussions, collaborations among the emerging generation of scientists and students, and as a means for the voices of young researchers to be heard by senior academicians, industrialists and policymakers in the country.
