Wired Youth Forum 2023
Youth-Led Evidence-Based Science Policy Engagement
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The Wired Youth: Science Forum was an Erasmus+ funded initiative coordinated by the Malta Chamber of Scientists, aimed at strengthening youth participation in evidence-based science policy, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Running between September 2023 and April 2024 in Malta and Greece, the project brought together young people, scientists, educators, and policymakers to explore the ethical implications of AI, its impact on jobs, and its role in education. Through expert-led workshops, stakeholder mapping exercises, and structured policy discussions, participants were equipped with the tools to critically assess AI technologies and translate scientific understanding into concrete policy recommendations.
A key outcome of the project was the policy paper “Youth Engagement in Shaping AI Policy: Insights from the Wired Youth Science Forum Project”, which consolidates youth-generated evidence and recommendations across three core domains:
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Ethical implications of AI, including data bias, privacy, accountability, and environmental sustainability
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AI and jobs, addressing job displacement, reskilling, labour policy, and social protection
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AI and education, focusing on academic integrity, teacher preparedness, equitable access, and responsible AI use in learning environments
The policy paper highlights the importance of inclusive data practices, regulatory oversight, cybersecurity safeguards, AI education for young people, labour market adaptation strategies, and clear guidelines for AI integration in education. It situates youth perspectives within the broader European policy landscape, aligning with initiatives such as the EU AI Act and the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027.
By embedding youth voices within structured, evidence-informed policy processes, the Wired Youth project demonstrates how young people can meaningfully contribute to science policy development. The project’s outputs — including thematic resolution booklets, a Student Science Parliament toolkit, and the consolidated policy paper — serve as practical resources for policymakers, educators, and civil society actors seeking to strengthen the science-policy interface.
This initiative reflects MCS’s ongoing commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking, responsible innovation, and inclusive engagement in emerging scientific and technological fields.