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Swiss Young Academy SYA
New Executive Board and Speaker elected
The members of the Swiss Young Academy elected their new Executive Board for the 2026/27 term at the Members' Assembly. The Executive Board subsequently appointed Clément Meier as Speaker and Clara Zemp as Vice-Speaker. Over the coming year, they aim to strengthen the voice of early-career researchers at a time when research faces increasing financial constraints and growing societal expectations. They will continue to advocate for a supportive and inclusive research environment, promote inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, and foster science diplomacy as a means of strengthening international cooperation and contributing to science-based responses to global challenges.
At the Members' Assembly on 12 June 2026, the Swiss Young Academy's members elected their new Executive Board for 2026/27. Thereafter the Executive Board appointed Clément Meier as Speaker and Clara Zemp as Vice-Speaker. As Speaker and Vice-Speaker, Meier and Zemp represent the Academy internally and externally and chair the Executive Board's meetings.
The Executive Board for 2026/27 comprises:
Clément Meier, Postdoctoral Researcher, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne; Speaker of the Swiss Young Academy 2026/27
Clara Zemp, Full Professor and Head of the Conservation Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel; Vice-Speaker of the Swiss Young Academy 2026/27
Pamela Delgado, Associate Professor at the School of Business and Engineering Vaud (HEIG-VD), part of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO) and lecturer at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).
Raffaela Kunz, Postdoctoral Researcher, Faculty of Law, University of Zurich
Emmanuel Senft, Research Scientist / Group Leader, Human-Centered Robotics and AI Group, Idiap Research Institute
Speaker Clément Meier expressed his commitment for the year ahead: "From population ageing and climate change to migration and geopolitical tensions, today's challenges are deeply interconnected and require evidence-based, collaborative responses. Research has a vital role to play in helping societies navigate these crises. At the same time, I believe we must place greater emphasis on empathy, compassion, and solidarity, both within the research community and across society. In times of rapid change, remaining united and committed to dialogue is essential. The Swiss Young Academy has an important role to play in fostering these values while ensuring that the next generation of researchers can thrive and contribute fully to society, particularly at a time when the scientific community is facing financial constraints."
Vice-Speaker Clara Zemp added: "In an era of uncertainties associated also with the rapid development of AI, loss of biodiversity, and diplomatic instability, I believe we need to foster critical and systematic thinking. Beyond providing scientific evidence and developing tools and methods, science can contribute towards solutions to complex societal challenges. This requires collaboration among diverse scientists, moving beyond disciplinary silos and biases. It also requires stronger connection between actors of science, society, and policy, at national and international levels. Young researchers have a role to play, and the Swiss Young Academy provides the platform to make it possible."
The Executive Board's term begins each year with a constitutive meeting following the June Members' Assembly meeting and runs for one year. Its responsibilities include primarily preparing agenda items for the Members' Assembly meetings, such as evaluating proposals for joint projects together with a Sounding Board, or approving the budget ahead of presentation to the Assembly. The Executive Board may also set its own goals and launch strategic initiatives within the Swiss Young Academy, building on input from the Members' Assembly.
Members at the Assembly meeting thanked the outgoing Executive Board for its strong commitment, in particular Speaker Nawal Kinany and Vice-Speaker Sabrina H. Kessler for the 2025/26 term. Under their leadership, the Swiss Young Academy developed and implemented a statement process and a Code of Conduct, and introduced specific measures for its Alumni.