Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2025 | Feedback

Anna Poryvai and Nana Obayashi at GYSS sign - 2025 Nana Obayashi
The Doctoral School is pleased to share feedback on the participation of Nana Obayashi, PhD candidate in EDME, and Anna Poryvai, Postdoctoral Researcher in the Group for Functionalized Biomaterials at the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS), held from 6 to 10 January 2025, in Singapore.
What is GYSS?
The Global Young Scientists Summit is an annual multidisciplinary summit (covering topics in chemistry, physics, medicine, mathematics, computer science and engineering) that brings together leading scientists and young researchers to foster exchanges between scientists of different generations, cultures and disciplines. Speakers, including Nobel Prize, Fields Medal, Millennium Technology Prize and Turing Award winners, as well as other eminent scientists, engage in dialogue with participants from all over the world. The Summit provides a platform for conversations on science and research, technology innovation and society, and solutions to global challenges.
With lectures, plenary and small group sessions, panel huddles, quickfire pitches and dedicated poster sessions, young scientists and participants have plenty of opportunity to interact and exchange throughout the five days.
Part of the Summit experience also includes visits to local universities and research institutions, providing participants with a firsthand look at the research and technologies developed in Singapore.
GYSS in 2025
This year the Summit has drawn more than 340 participants from 49 countries, a 40 per cent increase from 2024, marking the highest number in the past five years. Held at the National University of Singapore (NUS), it began on January 6 with an opening ceremony by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF).
There were 26 small group sessions – called “Fireside Chats “- allowing young scientists to interact with top minds in an intimate setting, typically with around 25 participants. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in Young Scientists Quickfire Pitch sessions with 16 young presenters and two dedicated Poster Sessions with 100 posters in total.
GYSS 2025 enabled young researchers to interact with 18 eminent scientists, including Nobel Prize laureates, Fields Medalists, Turing Award winners and recipients of other leading international scientific awards.
Among them, Professor Joan Rose, winner of the 2016 Stockholm Water Prize, who focused on the evolution of viruses in our environment and their impact on health. He emphasizes the critical role of young scientists in addressing global water challenges: "The future of our planet's water quality and public health rests in the hands of the next generation of scientists."
The summit also looked at the future of artificial intelligence. Professor Joseph Sifakis, 2007 Turing Award winner, spoke about the current state of AI and its potential to merge with other technologies, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.
Professor Louis Ignarro, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (1998) shared his thoughts on the importance of perseverance in science:
Science is full of challenges, and the journey is often tough, but it is precisely these struggles that make every breakthrough so rewarding. As young scientists, it's important to embrace these challenges, knowing that they are part of the process that will eventually lead to discovery. The Global Young Scientists Summit is a place where young researchers can find inspiration, learn from each other, and push the frontiers of science together.
EPFL at GYSS
Each year, EPFL is invited to nominate up to three participants. Nominees are selected based on their research excellence, motivation, potential for global collaboration and representation of the diverse research landscape at EPFL.
Although nominations do not guarantee participation as final selections are made by the GYSS Organizing Committee, we are delighted that Nana Obayashi, PhD candidate in EDME, and Anna Poryvai, Postdoctoral Researcher in the Group for Functionalized Biomaterials have been given the opportunity to represent EPFL at GYSS in Singapore, in 2025.
Both Anna and I had a wonderful time at GYSS in Singapore, engaging in very exciting conversations about our research and the future of science and innovation. We got to hear talks and interact with 18 highly distinguished scientists, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore and the Princess of Thailand.
Feeling inspired to join next year’s summit?
The Doctoral School continues to support and encourage PhD candidates to participate in such global platforms, which not only enhance their academic profile, but also contribute to EPFL's overall reputation on the world stage.
Stay tuned for the 2026 call for applications, in the meantime explore highlights from the GYSS 2025 event here or visit the official GYSS website.
For more info on the esteemed scientists, please click here.







The GYSS is an annual event organised by the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF), which is a department within the Prime Minister’s Office.
Costs are covered by The GYSS Organizing Committee and by EPFL.