Yanev is looking forward to contributing to AYA’s work: “Interdisciplinarity has become the zeitgeist of present-day academia: from the way curricula of university programmes are (re-)shaped to the way research grants are allocated. It is, thus, ever more important to have meaningful discussion on this notion: on the nuances of intra- and interdisciplinarity, on the extent to which the pursuit of interdisciplinarity is attainable across the various scientific domains and on how we can better equip scholars with the tools they need to become (more) interdisciplinary. I cannot think of a better forum to explore these questions than the AYA, with my fellow colleagues from various VU and UvA faculties.”
Ismaili is likewise looking forward to participating within the AYA network: “Within AYA I want to devote myself, amongst other things, to debates on science policy. AYA has been keen to raise issues regarding recognition and rewards. Being a member of AYA would allow me exchange ideas and organize activities with my fellow colleagues from various VU and UvA faculties in which to think not only of ways to change recognition and rewards for current academics but also to recognize and reward potential excellence. It appears that for students from for example lower socio-economic or migrant backgrounds the likelihood to pursue an academic career is still rather low. It would be great to welcome more potential excellence to academia, as this would enrich the academic environment.”