Global GYA conference brings academia's brightest young minds to Constructor University campus

More than 200 of the most promising researchers from the global academic community gathered at Constructor University's campus in Bremen for the Global Young Academy's International Conference and Annual General Meeting held June 28 to July 3. The week-long gathering featured dozens of speakers, discussion panels, workshops, labs and more under the theme "Machine Intelligence for Society and for all Sciences." It marked Constructor University's first time hosting the event, a milestone that showcased the campus's growing reputation as an international hub for interdisciplinary research and exchange at the frontiers of science and technology.

"At Constructor University, we believe that the future of science lies in empowering the next generation of researchers to tackle humanity's greatest challenges," said University President and Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov. "Artificial intelligence is not just transforming how we conduct research—it's reshaping the questions we can ask and the problems we can solve. By hosting this conference, we're proud to provide a platform where brilliant young minds from around the world can collaborate on ensuring that these powerful technologies serve all of humanity."

The conference featured public sessions exploring AI's impact across the scientific spectrum, from natural sciences and engineering to humanities and social sciences. Panel discussions addressed critical questions of AI governance, equity in access to AI technologies, and how machine intelligence is fundamentally reshaping research methodologies and disciplinary foundations.

"Hosting the GYA conference has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase our international and interdisciplinary community here at Constructor University and form new connections that will continue long after the conference ends," said Professor Dr. Francesco Maurelli, Associate Professor of Marine Systems at Constructor University, GYA Executive Committee Member, and a key organizer of the event. "It has been incredibly rewarding to see so many talented researchers from different parts of the world come together on our campus. This is exactly the kind of scientific exchange we want to encourage and participate in."

Speakers included leaders from major international organizations such as the International Science Council, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the European Academies Science Advisory Council, and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. The diverse program reflected the global nature of contemporary scientific challenges and the need for collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches.

Beyond traditional conference sessions, the event included innovative components that highlighted Constructor University's role as a dynamic host. The week featured the first-ever Falling Walls Lab competition held at a GYA Annual General Meeting, where researchers pitched breakthrough ideas in three-minute presentations. A joint workshop with INGSA-Europe explored science advice in challenging political and institutional settings, equipping early-career researchers with skills for engaging with policymakers.

"One thing I value about GYA and the early-career researchers it represents, is the energy and diversity of ideas that we contribute to the broader scientific community. We are not only interested in building the science of tomorrow, but also in thinking critically about how science can respond to the unique challenges we face society today," said Prof. Maurelli. “This year’s gathering at Constructor University has been a great opportunity to learn from one another, build new collaborations, and ensure that the next generation of researchers have a stronger voice in shaping the future of science."

The public conference sessions on July 1-2 drew additional attendees from Bremen and beyond, with livestreamed panels enabling global participation. Topics ranged from "The Hidden Cost of Knowledge: AI, Publishing Surveillance, and the Future of Open Research" to discussions on how AI is accelerating discovery in fields like climate science, medicine, and advanced materials.

The week also featured specialized sessions for GYA members, including science leadership workshops for incoming members, strategic planning meetings, and the organization's Annual General Meeting. With 86 current members, 26 incoming members, and over 450 alumni worldwide, the GYA represents a powerful network of scientific leaders committed to making research more inclusive, impactful, and responsive to global challenges.

The conference was supported by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, the German State of Saxony-Anhalt, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), and the InterAcademy Partnership, among other funders and sponsors.