A University of Manchester academic has been selected as a member of the UK Young Academy - an interdisciplinary network of early-career professionals and researchers working together to tackle pressing global and local challenges and promote lasting change.
Dr Hasan Miridi is among 42 emerging leaders from across the UK named as the newest members of the UK Young Academy, who come from a wide range of sectors, with backgrounds in political science, engineering, government, communications and the creative and performing industries, and more.
As a member of the UK Young Academy, Dr Miridi will have the opportunity to take action on both local and global issues. Through interdisciplinary projects and working across sectors, the members will bridge gaps, drive innovation, and develop the solutions needed to address critical challenges - all while advancing their professional development and contributing to a global network of Young Academies focused on achieving positive outcomes.
Dr Miridi's expertise is in nuclear reaction theories and is particularly interested in working on projects related to physics education, science communication, and supporting early-career researchers from at-risk or underrepresented backgrounds.
For the first time, a select group of emerging leaders have been chosen for membership in the UK Young Academy through a dedicated route in collaboration with the Council of At-Risk Academics (Cara). At-risk academics from Cara's network were invited to apply for membership as part of a UK Young Academy member-led project focused on supporting at-risk early-career researchers across the UK.
Next week, the newest members of the UK Young Academy will come together for their Induction Day, where they will learn about the UK Young Academy's activities and programmes. This will be followed by the third annual All Members' Meeting, marking the first opportunity for this new group to connect with the wider membership.
Speaking on behalf of the UK Young Academy Membership Selection Committee, Alistair McConnell, said: "The solutions to the world's most pressing challenges won't come from a single field or perspective. We need to bring together expertise and insights from a range of disciplines.
"Today, we are delighted to welcome our newest members, whose diverse backgrounds and expertise will bring fresh perspectives to the UK Young Academy. These members will have the opportunity to challenge boundaries, make new connections, and work together to develop innovative solutions to the challenges that matter most.
"As we enter our third year as an organisation, the new members will be able to contribute right from the outset. Through involvement in innovative projects, work programmes, or by ensuring that early-career voices are part of key global and local debates, they'll be positioned to make a meaningful contribution."
The new members take up their posts from 1 April 2025, and membership runs for five years.
