600+ young scientists from different countries gathered for Youth in Science-2024 conference in Minsk

The 21st International Scientific Conference – Youth in Science-2024 – has kicked off today in Minsk, bringing together more than 600 participants and covering dozens of the most relevant scientific fields, including agricultural, biological, medical, humanitarian, physico-technical, chemical, geological and others

Welcoming the participants from a dozen countries – this year sees a record number of them – Chairman of the Presidium of Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Vladimir Gusakov stressed the importance of the contribution young minds make into science.

“The 21st International Scientific Conference of Young Scientists is the largest event in Belarus aimed at sharing scientific knowledge and achievements among young scientists, as well as strengthening interdisciplinary ties and developing international sci-tech co-operation,” he said. “The conference is a good opportunity for young people to put forward their ideas, discuss them, and be heard. We must do our best to support all the ideas of the youngsters, all their plans, because this is the future of both our science and our country.”

Researchers from academic organisations and universities in Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, China and Turkiye will present their scientific results. Meanwhile, young scientists from the academies of sciences of Mongolia and the Republic of Tatarstan will first speak at the forum. The Youth in Science conference is a basic platform for the interaction of young scientists from organisations that are members of the International Association of Academies of Sciences (IAAS).

According to Mr. Gusakov, modern science is facing serious challenges.

“Instead of unlimited scientific and technological co-operation for the benefit of humanity, certain countries are pursuing an aggressive economic and technological policy, restricting access to the latest technologies and intellectual property results,” the Chairman of the NAS’ Presidium noted. “IAAS cannot stay away from these processes. We must rise to a new level, form our own scientific space and gain technological sovereignty in order to be able to counter these threats. The same tasks are facing the IAAS Council of Young Scientists. It is you, young scientists, who are destined to determine the ways of science development in the near future. You have great potential, and now the main thing is its successful implementation.”