The OWSD Early Career Fellowship programme is administered by OWSD with funds generously provided by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada.

The fellowship programme supports early-career women scientists to lead major research projects in countries that have been identified as particularly lacking in scientific and technological resources.* The fellows will carry out their research projects in one of the eligible countries and applicants must demonstrate that they have spent significant periods of time in that country (at least 5 years in total). Applicants must also have a guarantee of employment at the institution where they intend to carry out their research.

During the 3-year fellowship, fellows will develop their leadership and management skills, and develop links with a variety of public and private sector partners to potentially convert their research into marketable products or ensure its impact on a wider scale. By improving their communication and dissemination skills, fellows will also learn how to effectively present their research to various audiences, thereby attracting new collaborators and potential funders to ensure the sustainability of the research project.

VALUE

• The OWSD Early Career Fellowship is for three years and provides up to USD 50,000.

Please note that the OWSD Early Career Scholarship does not provide for the salary of the fellow, which must be guaranteed by the fellow's institution

• The grantee's institution must waive any overheads or indirect costs on the research project. However, applicants may include in their budget breakdown any support costs from the institution that will directly benefit the research project (e.g. laboratory technician time, maintenance and utilities costs, administrative officer time, etc.).
• The grant entails the payment of an initial advance, payments at regular intervals, reimbursement of expenses incurred with funds advanced by the Institute of Administration, and also support for direct purchases made by the OWSD Secretariat on behalf of the grant recipients (only for purchases over USD 4,500).

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must have been resident in one of the listed STLCs for at least 5 years. The 5 years do not have to be consecutive.
• Applicants can be citizens of any country, as long as the above-mentioned residency requirement is met.
• When applying, candidates must provide proof that they are employed at the university or research institute where the research project will be carried out. If employment has not yet begun, proof of the job offer and confirmation of acceptance is required.
• The institution where the research project will be carried out must be in one of the STLCs listed.
• Applicants must provide proof that they will receive a salary from their university/research institute for the duration of the three-year scholarship.
• Eligible STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)

To apply and for more information visit here.