International Young Scholars Program (IYSP)

The International Young Scholars Program was established by SRA to support international scholars’ participation in the SRA Biannual Meeting. The goal of the program is to facilitate collegial scholarly interaction among International Young Scholars and leaders in the field of adolescent research during the meeting and potentially establish cross-national research programs. To accomplish this, each International Young Scholar is paired with a mentor whose research interests are aligned or complementary to his/her own.

Qualifications

  • Scholars must be citizens and residents of a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) as defined by World Bank criteria.
  • Scholars who have received their Ph.D. degrees or equivalents within the past seven years and are working in a LMIC, OR are currently enrolled in a graduate program within an LMIC are eligible to apply.
  • Scholars from LMICs who are currently enrolled in a graduate program or employed in the U.S. or from other economically advanced, developed countries are not eligible for this program.
  • Mentors must be at least 8 years beyond receipt of their Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
Program participants must be SRA members. If you are not a member, please use the link below to the SRA Membership Website to join. The Emerging Nations International membership is $5. Eligible countries are those classified as Low* and Middle Income** Economies based on the World Bank Classifications*
Only applicants whose submissions are accepted to the SRA program will have their applications to IYSP considered. Applications will be reviewed and accepted participants will be notified by December 19, 2025.
  • Applicants must be comfortable presenting and discussing their research in-depth with their mentor (and others) in English.

 

Program Benefits & Expectations

There is recognition and prestige associated with presenting one’s research at an international meeting. Attendance at an SRA Biennial Meeting provides the opportunity for young scientists to share their research findings with audiences interested in adolescent development. The knowledge gained and networking opportunities experienced by the international young scholars offer great potential for expanding research horizons. Just as importantly, international young scholars expand the knowledge of SRA Biennial Meeting attendees about adolescents in other countries.

Scholars will receive complimentary registration to the SRA 2026 Annual meeting.

Mentors will receive a $100 discount on registration to the SRA 2026 Annual meeting.

Scholars will receive a stipend of $1000 to help cover the costs of travel to the SRA 2026 Annual Meeting. Scholars are responsible for covering their remaining travel costs.

Mentors and Scholars are expected to: have at least one preliminary virtual meeting about their research interests prior to coming to the SRA 2026 Annual Meeting.

Scholars and mentors are expected to attend the following events together: 

  1. Paper or poster session presented by the international young scholar;
  2. Breakfast or lunch with scholar & mentor with provided gift card.
  3. The Welcome and Opening Ceremony on Thursday, April 16, 2026, 9:00 – 9:45 AM ET
  4. The International Committee Invited Program Session on Thursday, April 16, 2026, 10-11:30 AM ET.
  5. The SRA Business Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 17, 2026, 8:15 - 9:45 AM ET.
  6. And the 2026 Presidential Address on Friday, April 17, 2026, 5:15 – 6:15 PM ET, followed by the Presidential Reception on Friday, April 17, 2026, 6:15 – 8:00 PM ET

Additionally, we ask the Mentors when possible to do their best to introduce the International Young Scholar to colleagues and to include them in professional activities and social events as appropriate at the SRA 2026 Annual Meeting.

Please complete the below application if you are applying for the SRA 2026 Annual Meeting International Young Scholars Program as a scholar or mentor. 

Application deadline: December 3, 2025

Decision notifications will be sent by December 19, 2025

Interested in being an IYSP Scholar, click here