The Abstract: January 2021

Welcome to The Abstract - your monthly round up of all the latest news from Youth STEM Matters, our youth-led scientific journal.

To start 2021, we’ve received Volunteer Team applications from youth globally, took to the stage at the Coastal Futures conference, recognised our Volunteer of the Month, and did lots of work behind the scenes that we’ll be able to share in the coming weeks!


Volunteer Team Applications Submitted by Youth in 29 Countries

Our recent round of applications to join the Youth STEM Matters Volunteer Team attracted applications from 107 youth based in 29 countries globally! Thank you to every young person who submitted an application - we’ve received a high quality of submissions and our team are taking time to review every application submitted. Watch this space to find out who will be joining the Youth STEM Matters Volunteer Team, and good luck to all our applicants!

 
107 Applications from youth in 29 countries, 5 continents.  Background is half yellow, half orange along a diagonal, with grey box on top.
 

January 2021 Volunteer of the Month Recognised!

Congratulations to Alex Kitchen who is the Volunteer of the Month for January 2021!

Alex was recognised for stepping up to temporarily undertake the role of Editor-In-Chief, and with less than 48 hours notice he was able to put together an engaging and informative Research Team briefing and remained a point of call for the team where needed. He’s shown a real commitment to developing the skillset of the Physical Sciences team and making sure that Authors get something they are proud of in the end of the peer-review process. He has displayed excellent leadership skills and a commitment to help the Journal progress! Well done Alex!

 
 
I’m very grateful for this! Over the last month, there were a few hiccups but it was great to see everyone pull together to keep putting out content and working hard. I have really enjoyed the work as something to concentrate on over lockdown and I hope that we can keep this feeling going in the team!
— Alex Kitchen, Managing Editor (Physical Sciences), Youth STEM Matters

Youth STEM Matters Volunteer Features at Coastal Futures Conference

Volunteer Team member Éimear Stephenson had the opportunity to be part of the 2021 Coastal Futures Conference, themed this year around Ocean Recovery, speaking as part of a session on “Youth Voices for the Ocean - What can we learn from the next generation?”. Our full article is here, but Éimear shared her experience of taking part with The Abstract…

Speaking at coastal futures was definitely a fantastic way to start the new year! It was truly astonishing to have the opportunity to speak in front of major organisations, experts and political officials on affairs that matter to youth.

I’m so thankful to have spoken with both Mhairi and Finlay- their words inspired not only me, but so many people watching! The response we received from our talks was unbelievable. It was truly heartwarming to see so many people not only listen, but actually value our words and thoughts.
— Éimear Stephenson, Senior Science Communication Editor, Youth STEM Matters

Coming Up…

Our Volunteer Team has been working hard behind the scenes to achieve our ambitions of creating an accessible platform for the world’s youth, while setting an example of best practice within scientific publishing. Here’s what Editor-In-Chief Adam Khan-Qureshi had to say about the exciting upcoming developments…

As a scientific journal, Youth STEM Matters is always looking for ways to improve our Authors’ experience and voice within the scientific community. I am really excited to soon announce some exciting changes, that will give young people the recognition they deserve but also enhance their publishing experience with us.
— Adam Khan-Qureshi, Editor-In-Chief, Youth STEM Matters
Mhairi McCann

Mhairi (she/her) is Youth STEM 2030’s Founder & CEO, and her work here is fuelled by a deep drive to create possibility for other young changemakers in STEM. Based in Inverclyde, Scotland, her expertise lies in creating meaningful, inclusive and participatory youth inclusion in decision-making. A generalist, Mhairi brings a strategic approach to the pursuit of our mission, and enjoys thinking of the bigger picture and ‘joining the dots’. She has a strong focus on equity & inclusion, is especially passionate about ocean conservation and, in her free time, enjoys volunteering and spending time in nature on long walks with Gordon the dog. Mhairi is a 776 Foundation Climate Fellow, and a 2021 National Geographic Young Explorer, and for her work at Youth STEM 2030, she was named Winner of the 2022 Young Scot Environment Award.

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Youth STEM 2030 Backed by Firstport

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Youth STEM 2030 @ Coastal Futures Ocean Recovery Conference