P18 - Creating awareness of academic leadership in early career researchers: a Young Academy model

Tim Van Oort, Policy Advisors, University of Groningen

The Young Academy Groningen was established at the University of Groningen in 2016 as an independent organization for the University's most talented young researchers, based on the principles of the Dutch National Young Academy (De Jonge Akademie). In addition to excelling in research, members exhibit a broader interest in science and scholarship, such as policy, outreach, diversity and interdisciplinarity. The Young Academy was initiated in part to create awareness of the academic leadership potential in talented early career researchers.

During the special interest session we will present the first results of the Young Academy as a career development tool for early career researchers. We will address a puzzling finding: that most Young Academy members display a striking lack of awareness of (and interest in) their academic leadership roles. We will hold an interactive discussion on ways to create awareness of the potential future academic leadership roles young talented faculty members can have, what issues surround this lack of awareness, and how can Universities stimulate a positive atmosphere for developing young researchers as future academic leaders.