Young scientists, broadly defined as being within 10 years of receiving their doctorate, occupy a unique position in the global knowledge landscape. Widely recognized as being among the most creative and energetic researchers, young scientists are also more mobile, more numerous, and better trained than ever before. Young scientists thus constitute a vast and fluid pool of talent that stands to change the geography of knowledge in fundamental ways. Precisely how this can best be achieved is the subject of this symposium. The panel will consider issues such as the changing relationship between age and research excellence and productivity; the shifting demographics of research and training globally, especially in the developing world where youth comprise between 60 and 75 percent of the total population; and the gaps in scientific capacity and training that exist between the developed and developing world. The symposium will also highlight recent efforts to engage young scientists from around the world to capitalize on their creative talents and energy to address problems of a global concern.