Scope of the Meeting
The SETAC 13th Young Environmental Scientists Meeting is set to be hosted from 11-14 August 2025 in York, UK by the SETAC Europe Student Advisory Council.
The YES Meetings are bi-annually organised by SETAC Europe students and early career scientists for students and early career scientists. This four-day students-for-students meeting offers a range of scientific presentations (platform and posters), complimented by courses, workshops, plenaries, career talks, and all sorts of networking events. Within the past years, the YES Meeting has grown into an international forum for students and early-career environmental scientists to network, exchange and present their research in a familiar but professional atmosphere.
This year’s meeting theme “Between Grinding Gears - Students and Early Career Scientists under Pressure,” emphasises the increasing pressures faced by students and early career scientists in today’s rapidly changing world. Building on the previous motto “Science Through Crisis” and recent discussions within the SETAC student community, this year’s focus highlights the intersection of academic challenges and global uncertainties.
It is essential to understand that each student's experiences are unique. Having open discussions among peers is particularly important, as it reduces the pressure of being criticised or facing consequences when sharing concerns with superiors. Topics such as mental health, inclusion, diversity, and ethical issues can create significant stress for students, impacting their academic performance and early career landscape. This pressure could ultimately undermine their education and affect the effectiveness of science-to-policy delivery in academic research.
By fostering conversations about these critical topics and creating space to present research in a safe and inclusive environment, the YES Meeting empowers the next generation of scientists to thrive amidst the “grinding gears” of academic and personal pressures.