Descrição

Introductions

The UNESCO–Equatorial Guinea Fellowship Programme for Young Women Scientists in Africa was launched to address persistent gender and regional disparities in scientific research. Globally, women represent only 33% of researchers, and in Sub-Saharan Africa this figure drops to 32%. These gaps are further exacerbated by limited investment in scientific research on the continent, which continues to restrict equitable access to scientific careers for women and girls.

In response to these challenges, and following UNESCO’s 2023 Call to Action to close the gender gap in science, UNESCO and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea have established a fellowship programme entirely dedicated to young African women scientists. Created in 2024 by UNESCO’s Executive Board and funded by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the programme aims to promote equal opportunities in science and strengthen women’s participation in life sciences research across Africa.

Each year, the programme will support two outstanding young African women scientists in the life sciences with individual grants of USD 25,000, for a total annual allocation of USD 50,000. The fellowships are designed to advance innovative research projects, support promising scientific careers, and encourage women scientists to actively contribute to scientific and technological development in their home countries.

Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the programme include:

• Expanding access to scholarships and training
• Boosting research productivity through targeted grants and professional development
• Strengthening leadership and mentorship skills among women scientists, and fostering sustainable development through locally relevant research.
• To build strong regional and international networks by facilitating collaboration through conferences, workshops, and professional exchanges.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be

• African nationals
• Under the age of 45 at the time of application
• Hold a PhD in the life sciences.
• Conduct research at a recognised laboratory in Africa
• Demonstrate significant scientific contributions, innovation, and alignment with UNESCO’s goals for sustainable development in science.

The Application

Applications must be submitted in English or French via UNESCO’s online platform.

Each application should include:

• A proposal, an innovative research idea that can be completed within one year
• A detailed work plan with the project’s objectives, activities, expected outcome and a timeline for a one year project
• A comprehensive budget for the USD 25,000 grant, clearly demonstraging how the funds will be allocated for the proposed project. Of the total grant:
  • USD 23,000 will be disbursed at the start of the project,
  • The remaining USD 2,000 will be released upon submission of a final report.
• A summary of past research outputs (e.g., publications and other supporting documents, with significant publications highlighted)
• A detailed CV, including academic qualifications, positions held, research experience, and current work
• Two recommendation letters from a thesis supervisor or peer in the research field (who is not part of the candidate’s immediate environment)

Eligibility Scientific Fields

• Medical and Health Sciences
• Neuroscience
• Molecular, cellular and structural biology
• Biological systems and organisms
• Environmental and ecological sciences
• Agricultural Sciences
• Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences
• Physical sciences
• Chemical sciences
• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Mathematical Sciences

Who Can Submit?

Nominations can be submitted by:

• The governments of African Member States in consultation with their National Commissions.
• Self-nominations and incomplete applications will not be considered.

The deadline for submission is 31 March 2026.