Global Young Scientists Summit 2024 - Annual Report 2024

7 June, 2025

A transformative experience for emerging researchers

The Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) in Singapore is an annual event that draws together outstanding young researchers and world-renowned scientific leaders to explore the latest in science, technology and solutions to pressing global challenges. This year, MacDiarmid Institute Discovery alumna Juliet Nelson (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa) attended the summit.

Juliet, who is currently completing her Master of Science under the mentorship of Co-Director and Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland-based Principal Investigator Professor Nicola Gaston, describes the GYSS as an unparalleled opportunity for learning and connection. "The summit is intended to be a platform for younger scientists and researchers," she notes, emphasising the multidisciplinary nature of the event and the breadth of expertise represented.

The five-day summit featured a packed schedule of talks, panel discussions, site visits and small group discussions. Participants had the unique chance to engage directly with distinguished scientists, including Nobel Prize laureates, Fields Medallists, Millennium Technology Prize recipients and Turing Award winners. Juliet highlights the welcoming atmosphere created by the speakers, stating, "My highlight speaker was Klaus von Klitzing, the 1985 Physics Nobel Prize winner. He was extremely warm and welcoming, as well as being full of optimism with regards to future career advice."

Networking and knowledge exchange were key components of the summit. Attendees benefited not only from formal presentations but also from social events designed to foster informal conversations and collaborations. "The organisers certainly kept us busy, and there was a lot to take in!" Juliet says. The summit's multifaceted approach provided a comprehensive view of current and future scientific challenges, as well as potential avenues for impactful research.

Juliet expresses her gratitude to the MacDiarmid Institute for supporting her participation in the GYSS. "Thank you again to the MacDiarmid Institute for the encouragement and funding to attend this conference!" she says, encouraging other early career scientists to seize the opportunity to attend in future years.

GYSS 2024 not only offered Juliet and other attendees a chance to gain knowledge and inspiration from some of the brightest minds in science but also reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges.