The Fellowship is a prestigious award offered to women who have completed their PhDs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and are employed at an academic or scientific research institute in one of the listed Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs).
The Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Early Career fellows are supported to establish environments at their institutions where they can maintain an international standard of research and attract scholars from all over the world to collaborate.
During the 2-year fellowship, fellows will build on their leadership and management skills, develop connections with a variety of public and private sector partners to potentially convert their research into marketable products or guarantee its impact on a broader scale. By improving their communication and outreach skills, fellows will also learn to effectively present their research to various audiences, thus attracting new collaborators and potential funders to ensure the sustainability of the research project. By supporting an increasing number of Early Career fellows, OWSD is creating a network of outstanding women scientists who can provide mentorship and be role models for the next generation of women leaders in STEM.
Fellowship
The OWSD Early Career Fellowship is for two years and provides up to USD $50,000. Note that the OWSD Early Career Fellowship does not provide for the fellow’s salary which must be guaranteed by the fellow’s institution.
Eligibility
Applicants must have been resident in one of the listed Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs) for at least 5 years. The 5 years do not have to be consecutive.
Applicants can be citizens of any country, provided that the above residence requirement is fulfilled.
At the time of application, applicants must provide proof of being employed at the university or research institute where the research project will be carried out. If employment has not yet commenced, proof of employment offer and confirmation of acceptance is required.
The institution where the research project will be carried out must be in one of the listed STLCs.
Applicants must provide evidence that they will receive a salary from their university/research institute for the duration of the three-year fellowship.
PhD in one of the listed STEM fields. PhD awarded not more than 10 years prior to application.
Eligible STEM Fields
Agricultural Sciences
Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences
Biological Systems and Organisms
Chemical Sciences
Computing and Information Technology
Engineering Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
Medical and Health Sciences
Neurosciences
Physics
Structural, Cell, and Molecular Biology
Research project proposals from other fields (social science, education, etc.) are not eligible and will not be taken into consideration.
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
Passport
A scanned copy of the passport page containing personal details (photo, document number, etc).
Passport-size portrait photo
Proof of residence
Official documentation that proves residency for at least 5 years in one of the eligible STLCs. As long as the address and the name of the applicant appear clearly, the following documents can be submitted as proof of residence: a certificate of residency, a statement from the local police office or municipality, a population registry office, a rental agreement, utility bills, and an employment contract. This list is not exhaustive and alternative documents can be considered.
If you are submitting any supporting documents in your local language, you must attach at least an informal translation into English. Documents without any English translation will not be considered.
Ph.D. certificate
A scanned copy of the PhD certificate or proof of PhD issued by the University.
Proof of employment
A letter from the employer (dean, vice-dean, or equivalent head of the applicant’s institution) on headed paper confirming the applicant’s position at the institution and that the applicant will receive a salary for at least three years starting from the year of application.
If employment has not been undertaken yet, proof of employment offer and confirmation of acceptance will be requested from the applicant.
Curriculum Vitae: Complete updated CV.
Publications: Complete list of publications.
Reference letters
Applicants must submit two (2) reference letters; at least one must be from a senior scientist familiar with the applicant’s recent research.
The letters must include the referee’s contact details for follow-up from the Selection Committee.
Supporting statement of head of the applicant’s institution
The supporting statement of the head of the applicant’s institution is completed and signed by the dean, vice-dean or equivalent head of institution. The supporting statement can be downloadedhere.
Budget file
Applicants must upload a standardized budget file in Excel format inserting all items and related costs requested in order to undertake the research project. The file will be available for download from the online application system.
Additional documentation
The applicant may wish to provide additional documents that provide evidence of skills, qualities or actions described in the research project (e.g. certificate of awards, memberships, etc).
