National Institute of Advanced Studies 

BRICS Young Scientist Forum 2023

South Africa Conclave

Building BRICS and Africa Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism

Venue: Qheberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

31 July - 03 August 2023

As part of its BRICS STI activities, South Africa will host the eighth BRICS YSF during 31 July-03 August 2023.

The main goals of the Eighth BRICS YSF are:

• To provide a platform for talented BRICS young scientists and researchers to exchange perspectives on transformative change and forge sustainable research partnerships, links and networks;
• To promote youth driven creative solutions to the most pressing socio-economic problems in their societies;
• To promote scientific cooperation/science diplomacy dialogues amongst the BRICS emerging researchers and countries beyond the summit; and
• To promote the interconnectedness of society through research and innovation for inclusive and sustainable development.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the format for ‘Declaration by the candidate’ in the BRICS YSF 2023 form?
•The applicant is expected to declare that the information furnished in the application form is complete and accurate.
•The applicant is expected to declare that if selected, they will undertake the offer and attend the full program without withdrawing their participation at any later stage.

2. What is the format for the endorsement letter?
•The endorsement letter should state that the Head of the organization/Institution that the applicant is affiliated with is willing to allow their participation in the event if selected.
•The endorsement letter should be signed/stamped by the Head of the organization/Institution that the applicant is affiliated with.

3. In the BRICS YSF 2023 form, please attach the following additional documents according to the following specifications-
i. Declaration by the candidate – (For format, refer to Q1)
ii. Statement of purpose
iii. Resume – (Updated)
iv. Copy of passport – (First and last page)
v. Reference letter – (minimum 1)
vi. Endorsement letter by the Head of the Organization/Institute, with official stamp/seal – (For format, refer to Q2)

4. Is the abstract different from the applicant statement?
• Yes, the two are different.
• For the applicant statement, please describe how the applicant has demonstrated excellence in scientific research, technology, and Innovation and how the achievements could be leveraged among BRICS countries.
• For the abstract, please enumerate on the crux of the research. It should entail a short yet comprehensive overview to establish the background. Furthermore, it should elaborate on the focus area. Both should be up to 300 words.

5. In the BRICS YSF 2023 form, should ‘primary theme’ under ‘details of application’ be elaborated upon?
• The decision to elaborate upon the ‘primary theme’ is up to the discretion of the applicant. If the applicant choses to do so, please include a write-up in 300-500 words.
• The applicant can also choose to give a ‘sub-theme’ under their ‘primary theme.’
• In case of addition of a ‘sub-theme,’ kindly elaborate in 300-500 words.

6. In the BRICS YSF 2023 form, can I select more than one ‘primary theme?’
• It is recommended that the applicant focus on one ‘primary theme.’

7. Who will book the tickets?
• If selected, NIAS will book the tickets for the applicant.

8. Who will apply for visa?
• NIAS will receive a formal invitation letter from South Africa.
• Upon receiving this formal invitation, applicants are expected to individually apply for their visas. (Applies to selected participants everywhere)

For More Information (Indian Participants), contact: