Deadline for Applications: 31 March 2025
Addressing Gender Disparities in African Scientific Research
Women remain significantly underrepresented in the global research landscape, constituting only 33% of researchers worldwide, as highlighted in the UNESCO Science Report 2021. This disparity is even more pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa, where women make up just 32% of researchers, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The imbalance is largely driven by a lack of funding, insufficient resources, and limited access to research opportunities for women in scientific fields. In 2015, scientific research expenditures in Africa accounted for a mere 1.01% of global spending, while African publications comprised only 3.5% of global scientific output in 2018. These factors hinder equitable participation and limit opportunities for African women in science.
To bridge this gap, UNESCO and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea have launched the first-ever UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea Fellowship Programme for Young Women Scientists in Africa. This initiative is dedicated to empowering young African women scientists by fostering their careers and enhancing their contributions to life sciences. The programme provides targeted financial support and mentorship, ensuring that women have the resources and opportunities necessary to make meaningful contributions to scientific advancements on the continent.
About the Fellowship Programme
Established in 2024 by UNESCO’s Executive Board and funded by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the Young African Women Scientists Programme aims to encourage and promote the participation of outstanding female researchers in the life sciences. The programme will award two exceptional young women scientists annually, granting them financial resources to conduct cutting-edge research that contributes to the scientific and technological development of their respective countries.
Each year, two laureates will receive a $25,000 grant each, totaling $50,000, to advance their research projects and bolster their scientific careers.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Hold African nationality and conduct research at a recognized institution or laboratory in Africa.
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Possess a PhD in the life sciences.
- Be actively engaged in scientific research that advances knowledge and contributes to sustainable development.
Please Note: Only Governments of African Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions, are authorized to submit applications. Self-nominations will not be considered.
Application Submission Process
Applications must be pre-registered through the following online portal:
👉 www.unesco.org/egip/account-request
Once pre-registered, applicants will be invited to complete a comprehensive online submission form in English or French. The application must include:
- A research proposal outlining an innovative and achievable project within a one-year timeframe, considering available facilities.
- A detailed work plan specifying activities, objectives, expected outcomes, and a clear timeline for project completion.
- A comprehensive budget breakdown demonstrating how the $25,000 grant will be allocated (e.g., materials, equipment, travel, publication fees, etc.).
- Grant disbursement:
- $23,000 will be provided at the start of the project.
- $2,000 will be disbursed upon submission of a final report detailing project results and fund usage.
- Grant disbursement:
- A summary of past research, including publications and supporting documents, with key scientific contributions highlighted.
- A detailed CV, listing academic qualifications, research experience, professional positions, and current work.
- One or two recommendation letters from a thesis supervisor or a peer in the research field (excluding individuals from the candidate’s immediate work environment).
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact and Further Information
For inquiries, please reach out to the Secretariat of the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences:
📧 lifesciencesprize@unesco.org
This prestigious fellowship represents a significant step forward in empowering African women scientists, promoting equitable access to resources, and ensuring a sustainable future driven by scientific excellence. By investing in these talented individuals, UNESCO and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea are shaping the next generation of female scientific leaders on the African continent.
For more information, visit the official UNESCO website.
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
