[3] The idea of a science forum was considered after World War II, and was realized in the form of student exchanges between different schools and communities in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Czechoslovakia.

In the next decades, the conference expanded across the globe, starting from the United States of America to Eastern Asian countries.

The initial goal was to "put science into perspective and to encourage those attending to be aware of the needs of the world and what was happening in disciplines other than the one they were studying".

David Cameron, former Prime Minister, described LIYSF as "a fantastic opportunity for young scientists from all over the world to come together... and engage in a program designed to educate, stimulate and inspire".

[1] Support is primarily provided by, amongst other organizations and groups, the British Council, Education UK and the GREAT Campaign.