UNODA Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 for young scientists (Fully Funded to Geneva, Switzerland)

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Application Deadline:  5 March 2026. 

Applications are now open for the UNODA Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship. The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in Geneva is delighted to launch a call for applications to the Fourth Edition of the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship. 

Since its establishment as a Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop in 2019, the programme has engaged over 140 young scientists through an innovative and engaging training course. 20 competitively selected young scientists from the Global South will take part in a series of interactive webinars prior to an in-person visit during the meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention in Geneva in August 2026.  

The Fellowship aims to provide an opportunity for emerging biosecurity leaders from the Global South to:  

• Learn & Lead: Deepen your expertise on biosecurity and disarmament to build confidence and leadership. 
• Think & Act: Discuss perspectives with senior experts and develop practical proposals to strengthen biosecurity. 
• Engage & Connect: Network with young experts from across disciplines and regions within an international community.  

Requirements

Benefits

• Travel tickets in economy class and a daily subsistenceallowance will be provided to successful applicants for the official dates of the trip in line with UN rules and regulations. 

Fellowship Details

The Fellowship runs over a 3-month period and requires a minimal time commitment to accommodate fellows’ work or academic schedules. You must be available to attend and engage in all of the activities below:  

• A series of five online webinars from 3 June to 1 July 2026, with approximately one session (two hours) per week. They will take place on Wednesdays, from 2pm (CET) except for the opening webinar at 3pm (CET).  
• A collaborative scientific poster competition project to prepare in July 2026 and to be presented at the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention in August 2026.  
• A five-day in-person visit in Geneva from 17 to 21 August 2026 during the meetings of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention. Participants must participate in the visit in full.   

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the UNODA Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship