About the Young Academy of Belgium (Flanders)
The Young Academy of Belgium (in Dutch: Jonge Academie, JA) is an independent think tank of 58 excellent scientists and artists based in Flanders. We bring together outstanding early- to mid-career researchers and artists from all disciplines and institutions.
The Jonge Academie is a platform for new ideas, critical thinking and imagination about the future of science, the arts and society. By amplifying the voices of young scientists and artists, we aim to make a lasting contribution to public debate, policy development and societal innovation.
Our mission
The Young Academy seeks to strengthen the role of science and the arts in society by:
- contributing independent, interdisciplinary perspectives to policy and public debate
- fostering dialogue between science, the arts, politics and society
- promoting excellent, responsible and inclusive research and artistic practice
- improving public understanding of science and scientific practice
We believe that science and the arts flourish when curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration are central — and when researchers and artists are given the space to experiment and to speak freely.
Our values and principles
All activities of the Young Academy are guided by a clear set of values:
- academic and artistic freedom – space for experimentation, independence and critical voices
- interdisciplinarity – meaningful interaction across disciplines, without rigid boundaries
- sustainability – responsibility for the future and care in the present
- care and wellbeing – a professional environment with attention to mental and social wellbeing
- inclusion and diversity – everyone belongs and is recognised
Across disciplines and institutions, we contribute to innovative ideas, scientific knowledge and artistic imagination about the science and arts of the future.
Science, arts and society
The Jonge Academie encourages scientists and artists to enrich societal debates with insights from research and artistic practice. We also aim to contribute to a better public understanding of science, showing how scientific knowledge is created through curiosity, creativity, logical reasoning and collaboration.
By making science and the arts more visible and accessible, we want to inspire broader audiences and strengthen trust in knowledge and expertise.
Membership
Membership of the Jonge Academie lasts five years. Each year, around ten new members are selected through a rigorous and transparent selection procedure, based on excellence, originality and engagement beyond one’s own scientific or artistic discipline.
Members contribute to the Academy’s work alongside their professional careers. Together, they form an interuniversity and interdisciplinary community with a shared commitment to the future of science, the arts and society.
What we do
The Jonge Academie is active at the intersection of knowledge, creativity and societal engagement. Our activities include:
- public events and debates, lectures, workshops and panel discussions
- closed expert meetings and think-tank discussions on urgent or emerging topics
- publications, opinion pieces, policy notes, reports and essays
- websites, podcasts and other media
- dialogue with governments and policy makers at regional, national and international levels
- initiatives in science communication, including prizes and awards
- calls that stimulate reflection and innovation
International engagement
The Jonge Academie is actively engaged in international cooperation and dialogue. We connect our members and activities to developments beyond Belgium and ensure that the perspectives of young scientists and artists from Flanders are represented in international debates.
We participate in European and global networks such as ENYA (European National Young Academies), YASAS (Young Academies Science Advice Structure) and ALLEA, contributing to discussions on science advice, research policy, academic careers, sustainability and the societal role of science and the arts.
In addition, we maintain close ties with peer Young Academies worldwide through bilateral collaborations, joint initiatives and international meetings. This international engagement enriches our own work and strengthens the collective voice of young researchers and artists at the global level.
→ More on our international engagement
