Efforts to build a safer and healthier future cannot be achieved without gender equality. Yet, women continue to face systemic barriers in pursuing careers in science and technology. In cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, only one in five professionals are women. Similarly, women remain underrepresented in biosafety and biosecurity discussions, despite progress in recent years.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in Geneva has announced a special edition of the Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship 2025. This fully funded programme will select 10 outstanding young female scientists from the Global South to participate in a three-month learning and networking experience.
About the Fellowship
The Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship 2025 is designed to empower young women working in the field of biosecurity by equipping them with knowledge, skills, and networks. The fellowship combines online workshops, mentorship, and a fully funded study visit to Geneva, providing participants with unique exposure to global disarmament processes and the work of the Biological Weapons Convention.
Programme Components
The fellowship runs over a three-month period and is designed to accommodate fellows’ work or academic commitments. Activities include:
-
Online Biosecurity Workshops throughout October and November 2025, with at least three substantive interactive sessions.
-
Mentorship and networking opportunities with international experts and practitioners in biosecurity and disarmament.
-
A fully funded five-day field visit to Geneva from 8 to 12 December 2025 during the Seventh Meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention.
All travel, accommodation, and participation costs will be fully covered by the fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
-
Identify as female.
-
Be under 35 years of age at the time of applying.
-
Be a citizen of a BWC State Party classified as a least developed, low-income, or middle-income country according to the OECD Development Assistance Committee list.
-
Hold at least a Master’s degree in life sciences or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
-
Have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience.
-
Be currently working in a related field such as laboratories, biosecurity or disarmament research, life sciences, or emerging technologies.
-
Demonstrate proficiency in English, with proof of mastery.
Regional balance will be considered in the selection process to ensure diversity in the cohort.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
-
A reference letter.
-
A copy of a valid passport.
-
Confirmation of availability to participate in the full programme.
Expectations of Fellows
Selected fellows are expected to:
-
Attend and actively participate in all online workshops and the field visit in Geneva.
-
Secure necessary authorizations from their employer or university to take part in the fellowship.
-
Obtain required visa documents for travel to Switzerland.
-
Dedicate sufficient preparation time for each session, as the fellowship is intensive and interactive.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship 2025 will close on Sunday, 21 September 2025 at 23:59 (CET). Late submissions will not be considered. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by the beginning of October 2025.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can submit their applications online.
Apply here: Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship 2025
Conclusion
The Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship 2025 is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for young female scientists from the Global South to strengthen their expertise, broaden their networks, and contribute to global peace and security. By participating in this fellowship, selected fellows will play an active role in shaping the future of biosecurity and advancing gender equality in science and disarmament.
For more info please visit: https://disarmament.unoda.org/en/news/apply-young-women-biosecurity-fellowship-2025-other-2025-09-08
