UNESCO–Equatorial Guinea Fellowship Programme 2026 for Young Women Scientists in Africa

The UNESCO–Equatorial Guinea Fellowship Programme for Young Women Scientists in Africa (2nd Edition) is now open for applications, offering a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for outstanding African women researchers in the life sciences.

Globally, women account for only 33% of researchers, and in Sub-Saharan Africa, this figure drops to 32%, according to UNESCO. These disparities are further intensified by limited access to research funding, infrastructure, and international scientific networks. In response, UNESCO launched a Call to Action to Close the Gender Gap in Science, emphasizing the need to expand funding opportunities and strengthen global research networks for women scientists.

Established in 2024 by UNESCO’s Executive Board and funded by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, this fellowship programme is designed to bridge persistent gender and regional gaps in scientific research across Africa. Each year, two exceptional young African women scientists are awarded USD 25,000 each to advance innovative research projects in the life sciences and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

Fellowship Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Promote innovation and excellence in life sciences research

• Support the production of high-quality scientific outputs, including publications and patents

• Strengthen leadership and mentorship capacity among young women scientists

• Encourage contributions to sustainable development goals (SDGs) through science

• Foster regional and international scientific collaboration

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be of African nationality

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application

• Hold a PhD in a life sciences–related field

• Conduct research at a recognized laboratory in Africa

• Be actively engaged in scientific research contributing to sustainable development

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Scientific innovation and research impact

• Academic and professional achievements in the life sciences

• Publications, patents, or other scientific outputs

• Recognition through awards, grants, or fellowships

• Alignment with UNESCO’s vision for science and sustainable development

Grant Value and Disbursement

• USD 25,000 per fellow

• USD 23,000 disbursed at the start of the project

• USD 2,000 released upon submission of a final technical and financial report

Eligible Scientific Fields

• Medical and Health Sciences

• Neuroscience

• Molecular, Cellular, and Structural Biology

• Environmental and Ecological Sciences

• Agricultural Sciences

• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

• Biomedical Engineering

• Chemical and Physical Sciences

• Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

• Mathematical Sciences (where applicable to life sciences research)

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online in English or French and should include:

• A one-year research proposal

• A detailed work plan and timeline

• A comprehensive budget breakdown

• Summary of past research and key publications

• A detailed academic CV

• Two recommendation letters from senior academics or peers

Who Can Submit Nominations

• Governments of African Member States, in consultation with National Commissions

• Self-nominations are not accepted

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Deadline: 31 March 2026

Applications must be submitted through the official portal:
https://www.unesco.org/egip/account-request

For more information about this opportunity, click here.

For more other fellowship opportunities, click here.