'Global Challenges of the 21st Century' will be the RYA general theme of research for the first three years (2020-2022). It will comprise of three subsumed themes: 1) Technological development and human health/ quality of life; 2) Climate change and environmental sustainability; 3) Democracy and social cohesion. More details on the projects selected within each of the 3 sub-themes and on the specific activities they involve will appear in autumn, once the first 20 RYA members are selected.