January 2025

NextGen Voices is an initiative designed to amplify the perspectives of early-career scientists through engaging and thought-provoking prompts. Featured in the ‘Letters’ section of the Science journal, it offers a platform for young scientists to share their innovative ideas and visions, encouraging contributions across diverse scientific disciplines. This forum celebrates the creativity and insights of young researchers, cultivating a global conversation on the challenges and directions in science.

Several of our medical students have been featured for their impactful and creative contributions to this initiative.

Olesia Verstiuk

For the October 6th, 2023 issue, the prompt was, ‘If you could introduce any two scientists, regardless of where and when they lived, whom would you choose, and how would their collaboration change the course of history’? Olesia Verstiuk, an MD Year 4 student, imagined a collaboration between virologist Jonas Salk and medical anthropologist Paul Farmer, recognizing their potential to revolutionize approaches to epidemics and healthcare disparities, which was featured in the journal.

Maryam Ejaz

The April 5th, 2024 issue asked, ‘Imagine that you meet all of your research goals. Describe the impact of your research from the perspective of a person, animal, plant, place, object, or entity that has benefited from your success’. MD Year 3 student Maryam Ejaz shared from the perspective of a plant, showcasing its transformation and the broader ecosystem benefits, earning her a place in the publication.

Gheed Mukhles

In the October 4th, 2024 issue, young scientists responded to, ‘Imagine that science is an Olympic sport. At what event in your field would you excel? Narrate your progress in the event in the voice of an Olympics announcer’. MD Year 3 student Gheed Mukhles dramatically depicted a sprint through a metabolic maze, clinching a gold medal for Cyprus with this imaginative entry.

Rida Ismail

Most recently, for the January 3rd, 2025 issue, the prompt was, ‘Write a pair of haiku. In the first, describe academia or your field in 2025; in the second, describe your predictions for 2050’. Rida Ismail, an MD Year 4 student, composed a pair of haiku that was selected for publication, reflecting on the future of science and technology.

These accomplishments highlight the creativity and active participation of our medical students in the global scientific community through the NextGen Voices platform.