Young scholars from 11 countries unite to call for addressing five global threats to academic research

The viewpoint article “Call for Action to Address the Escaping Global Threats to Academic Research”, led by the World Federation of Top Scholars and co authored by 16 young scholars from 11 countries, has attracted widespread attention from the global academic community. These young scholars are all delegates to the 2023 World Top Scholars Forum and come from top research institutions in China, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and other countries.
The article systematically summarizes the five core threats facing global academic research: increasing barriers to cross-border scientific research cooperation, unstable investment in basic research funds, limited career development space for young scholars, utilitarian tendencies in academic evaluation systems, and inadequate mechanisms for transforming scientific research achievements. The article proposes multiple specific initiatives, including establishing a “green channel” for cross-border scientific research cooperation, setting up a long-term research fund for young scholars, and promoting the internationalization of academic evaluation to break through the “Five Unifications”.

The director of the Youth Work Committee of the Alliance stated that young scholars are the backbone of scientific research and innovation, and the difficulties they face directly affect the inheritance of the scientific cause. The alliance has included these initiatives in its key work for 2025, plans to hold a special seminar with UNESCO, and promotes the establishment of a “Global Alliance for the Development of Young Scholars” to provide a platform for communication and support for young researchers.