This vibrant and independent academy unites exceptional scientists from all continents, dedicated to the vision of "science for all; science for the future."
Established in 2010, the GYA empowers researchers to lead international, interdisciplinary, and intergenerational dialogues, addressing critical societal challenges. With around 200 passionate members, including several from the UK, the GYA selects individuals for their scientific excellence and commitment to societal engagement.
Complementing Loughborough University’s vision, GYA members engage in impactful working groups, strategic projects, and collaborations with international partners, providing a platform for groundbreaking ideas to flourish. Additionally, the GYA supports the establishment and coordination of National Young Academies worldwide.
Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, Professor Nick Jennings, said: "The Global Young Academy is exceptionally prestigious, and I am thrilled that Manuella has been elected. Her outstanding research has had a global impact on some of society’s most pressing problems in the automotive, aerospace, and biomedical fields.
“Membership in Young Academies offers numerous advantages, including networking opportunities, access to collaborative projects, and a platform to influence global scientific policies. I encourage more colleagues to take advantage of the unique support package for applications provided by the Enhanced Academic Practice team. These support schemes highlight our collaborative approach and are unique to Loughborough, ensuring our colleagues have the best opportunities to flourish."
Director of Organisational Development and Change, Sharon Platts, added: “I am delighted by Manuela’s membership in the Global Young Academy. This achievement not only showcases her dedication, excellence, and innovative mindset but also underscores the valuable support provided by Enhanced Academic Practice. While we have successfully supported applications for the UK Young Academy over the past three years, our efforts to support Global Young Academies only began last summer so achieving membership evidences the outstanding work we have done in this area”.
Dr Manuela Pacella is a Senior Lecturer in High-Value Manufacturing, researching new laser-based advanced manufacturing technologies and advanced materials for application in the automotive, aerospace, and biomedical fields. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), Chartered Engineer, Member of the IMechE, and MPDS IMechE Mentor. She holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham (2014) and a MEng degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Bari (Italy), achieved with summa cum laude. After being awarded her PhD, she worked as an Application Development Engineer and Advanced Manufacturing Research Engineer for multinational companies such as 3M in Milan (Italy) and Element Six (Harwell Campus, UK).
On the announcement, Manuella said: “I am honoured to be selected as a member of the Global Young Academy, and I am really looking forward to engaging with the Academy to work with talented professionals across the world in addressing global issues. I am particularly keen to lead a new project which aims to support women’s careers in the post-maternity period. I am very thankful to Dr Katryna Kalawsky from our Organisational Development team at Loughborough University for supporting me in this journey.”
New members of the Global Young Academy take up their posts in June 2025, and membership runs for five years.
Loughborough University will continue to support suitable colleagues in applying for Young Academy membership during the summer. If you have any questions, please contact the Programme Director (Researcher Development and Pathways), Dr Katryna Kalawsky.