The 2024 GYA Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in Washington, D.C., USA, at the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). HSP fellow Dr. Wasim Sajjad, an Assistant Professor at the National University of Medical Sciences, Pakistan, attended the conference and served on the Program Organizing Committee. Dr. Sajjad also moderated the lightning talk sessions and presented his research on antimicrobial peptides from marine sponges targeting MDR biofilm bacteria. The conference theme, “Transformative and Inclusive Science for a Sustainable Future,” provided a platform to explore how recent technological advancements and ongoing efforts towards diverse and inclusive science can contribute to a sustainable future for all.

The AGM & Conference was supported by a Local Organizing Committee, which included GYA members from the USA, participants in the National Academies’ New Voices in Science, Engineering, and Medicine program, and NASEM staff. The GYA’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference successfully concluded on May 10th. It featured the initiation of interdisciplinary projects, the induction of 45 new GYA members, and the election of new leadership. Members elected leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America to the Executive Committee (EC), which includes 11 members, two of whom serve as Co-Chairs. Notably, a majority of the elected leaders are women.

Dr. Sajjad was elected as a member of the Executive Committee for the Global Young Academy for the 2024-25 term. The AGM saw participation from members representing over 70 countries at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington, D.C. As an Executive Committee member, Dr. Sajjad will work to advance the organization’s mission, increase GYA’s visibility and impact, create opportunities for members, and contribute to the GYA’s strategic planning. Dr. Sajjad acknowledged the co-funding support provided by Health Security Partners.