Appointed: 2005
	Object: The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences is constantly seeking ways to involve young scientists in its work. With that aim in mind, it set up 'The Young Academy' (DJA, De Jonge Akademie) in 2005. DJA will welcome promising young scientists who obtained their doctorate fewer than ten years ago, have already made their mark in the research world and have a wide-ranging interest in science. The objectives of DJA are the following: to give young scientists the opportunity to interact with research fields outside their own area of specialisation and open up avenues of interdisciplinary research; to encourage them to develop their outlook on the future of their own and related disciplines, as well as on science policy; to encourage them to use their scientific insights for the benefit of society; to support them in their development as scientists. In February 2005 the forty scientists selected to be the first members of the DJA were welcomed by the Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Maria van der Hoeven. Every year a group of ten new DJA members will be selected. Membership of the DJA is for a period of five years.
	Secretariat: KNAW, The Young Academy (DJA) P.O. Box 19121 1000 GC Amsterdam tel. +31 (0)20-5510702 dja@bureau.knaw.nl