Turkish and Colombian Young Academies Come Together for Science Diplomacy

The Turkish Young Academy and the Young Academy of Colombia held an online meeting on February 17, 2026, to explore opportunities for cooperation in science diplomacy and joint projects. The meeting, which took place at 4:00 p.m. (Istanbul time), brought together young scientists from both countries on the same platform.

The meeting followed up on initial contacts established during the IAP (InterAcademy Partnership) Triennial Conference and General Assembly held in Cairo on December 8–11, 2025. In the invitation extended by the Young Academy of Colombia, it was stated that the aim was to present the ongoing activities of both academies, discuss potential joint initiatives, and strengthen institutional cooperation.

On behalf of the Turkish Young Academy, President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mürsel Doğrul delivered a presentation titled “Bridging Science, Society and Ethics: The Role of Young Academies in the Science Ecosystem.” In his remarks, Dr. Doğrul provided a comprehensive overview of the position of young academies within the scientific ecosystem. He emphasized that young academies, under the guidance of their parent academies, serve as intergenerational bridges, bringing together experience and innovative perspectives, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and contributing significantly to science diplomacy through international networks.

The presentation also included information about TÜBA’s Outstanding Young Scientists Award Program (GEBİP), which has been in operation since 2001 and forms the foundation of the Turkish Young Academy. It was noted that the Turkish Young Academy emerged from this program, began its institutionalization process in 2019, and has since provided systematic support for the scientific development of young researchers.

During the meeting, both sides evaluated potential areas of collaboration, including organizing joint scientific events, developing researcher exchange programs, applying together for international funding calls, and establishing joint working groups in the field of science diplomacy.

The meeting concluded with mutual goodwill messages and an agreement to continue contacts at the institutional level. This engagement between the Turkish and Colombian Young Academies is expected to enhance the international visibility of young scientists and further strengthen scientific relations between the two countries.