The Nigerian Young Academy (NYA) has called on scientists and researchers to work across disciplines to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges and improve human well-being.
NYA President, Prof. Temitope Onuminya, made the call at the academy’s 16th Anniversary Conference and General Assembly at Lagos State University, Akoka. The conference, themed “Convergent Research for Global Impact: Integrating Knowledge, Innovation and Policy,” focused on breaking disciplinary barriers and promoting research with practical impact.
Onuminya said researchers must move beyond working in silos and collaborate to transform knowledge generated in institutions into innovations, policies and practical solutions. Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, represented by Prof. Tuoyo Okoturo, also urged young researchers to focus their work on human-centred solutions that could drive job creation, industrial development and community growth.
President of the Nigeria Academy of Science, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, encouraged new members to sustain excellence in scientific research while working with researchers from other fields and mentoring younger scholars. Former University of Lagos Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Familoni, said challenges such as climate change, healthcare, food insecurity, housing and misinformation could not be effectively addressed through a single discipline.
The conference brought together researchers, academics, industry leaders, policymakers and civil society representatives to explore multidisciplinary approaches to development. Seven researchers were also inducted into the academy as part of activities marking its 16th anniversary.
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