Call for Applications: SVRI Forum 2026 Young Professionals Programme (YPP)

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) has opened applications for its highly regarded Young Professionals Programme (YPP) for SVRI Forum 2026, which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand. This initiative is designed to nurture and support early-career professionals working to end violence against women, violence against children, and other forms of gender-based violence. The YPP offers a unique opportunity for rising researchers and practitioners to engage with a global network of experts, gain mentorship, and share their work on an international stage.

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What’s New for 2026?

For the first time, SVRI is introducing a pre-abstract submission call through Oxford Abstracts, which allows selected participants to access early mentorship—well before the official abstract submission window opens. This new structure aims to deepen impact, enhance participation, and ensure meaningful representation of young voices at the forum.

Only 4–6 promising early-career professionals will be selected for this first round of pre-abstract mentoring, ensuring personalized support and guidance.

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What the Programme Offers

Selected participants will receive:

• One-on-one mentorship from members of the SVRI Leadership Council or broader expert network

• Tailored support to refine pre-abstract ideas and strengthen methodologies, analysis, and recommendations

• Assistance preparing formal abstract submissions to SVRI Foum 2026

• Ongoing presentation coaching—if their abstract is accepted, mentors will help them build confidence and clarity for public speaking

• A bursary to attend SVRI Forum 2026 in Bangkok, regardless of whether the abstract is accepted

In addition to these benefits, participants may have the chance to engage in person with their mentors during the forum.

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Why Early Engagement Matters

Launching the mentorship earlier offers a range of transformative benefits:

• Builds critical abstract writing skills that will serve participants throughout their careers

• Encourages stronger, more competitive submissions

• Supports professionals from underrepresented regions, ensuring global equity in gender-based violence research

• Creates opportunities for visibility and career advancement on a prominent international platform

“One of the most beneficial outcomes of the YPP was the opportunity to gain insights and guidance from an experienced mentor with a deep understanding of gender-based violence in the region. This was invaluable in shaping my approach to presenting my study.”
— SVRI Forum 2024 YPP Participant

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the SVRI YPP 2026 Pre-Abstract Mentoring Programme, applicants must:

• Be 35 years of age or younger (born in 1990 or later)

• Be actively working in an area aligned with SVRI Forum 2026 themes

• Be committed to submitting an abstract to SVRI Forum 2026

• Have not previously received support through the YPP

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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via Oxford Abstracts. To apply:

1. Click the application link here 

2. Create your Oxford Abstracts profile

3. Complete and submit the pre-abstract application form

Important: Applications sent via email will not be considered.

Deadline to Apply: 31 July 2025

For questions or technical assistance, contact Lizle Loots at:
forums@svri.org

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About SVRI Forum

SVRI Forum is more than a conference—it is a global movement to end violence against women and children through research, innovation, and collaboration. With participants from over 100 countries, the forum provides a vibrant, inclusive space to advance evidence-based strategies for change.

SVRI is actively seeking sponsorship and partnerships to ensure the 2026 Forum remains inclusive and accessible for all. If your organization would like to support this mission, please reach out to the team.

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Join the movement. Be a voice for change.
Apply to the SVRI Forum 2026 Young Professionals Programme and help shape the future of gender-based violence research.

For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.