Science by Women Program 11th Edition for African Women Scientists

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Applications are open for Science by Women Program 11th Edition. The Women for Africa Foundation is pleased to announce its 11th edition of the Science by Women program. This program, which is a fundamental pillar of the Foundation, aims to promote African women leadership in scientific research and technology transfer to address key challenges faced by Africa in areas such as health, agriculture, food security, water, mathematics, astronomy, energy and climate change.

It consists of a 6-month post-doctoral fellowship program in collaboration with recognized Spanish Centers of Excellence, thus ensuring excellence in scientific research in various fields. Since its first edition, the program has involved 33 institutions, benefiting more than 170 African women researchers.

Science by Women is based on the capacity of African women researchers to lead the continent transition towards an economy based on knowledge and innovation. It seeks to address the social, structural and economic barriers that limit their participation in science and technology in order to reduce the gender gap in these fields for the long-term progress and equitable growth of African countries.

In this edition, the program offers 17 fellowships in 15 research centers of excellence, thanks to the unwavering commitment of more than 50 program partners , including research institutions, universities and public and private funders, such as the CSIC, the Government of the Canary Islands, the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, the CSAI Foundation, Abertis Foundation, Fisabio Foundation and FUHNPAIN, among others.

Science by Women Program Benefits

Successful candidates will have the following benefits:

Monthly living allowance of 2.600 euros gross per month. A 24% tax will be applied, leaving 1.976 euros net. This stipend is calculated based on the Spanish basic standard of living to cover, for one person only, accommodation, maintenance support and health and emergency insurance.
Round flights from their city of origin to their host city up to 1800 euro;
Refund of visa fees and any administrative or transportation costs derived from the visa application process up to 400 euro, always subject to the presentation of the corresponding receipts or invoices;
Possibility of financial aid to participate in seminars or congresses during the period of the fellowship in Spain, after proper evaluation from the Science by Women program’s team;
Possibility to participate in all in-person or online events organized by the Foundation or the host institution during the months of the fellowship;
Joining the N.O.W. is Africa Network, a space for connection, exchange and opportunities among the fellows of the program.

Beneficiaries must devote themselves entirely to research at the assigned research institution and may not be beneficiaries of any other fellowship, grant, stipend or regular income during their research stay. Beneficiaries may be asked to formalize in writing their relationship with the research institution.

Eligibility Criteria for Science by Women Program

Being a woman and having the nationality and residence in an African country.
Holding a PhD in the sciences area of expertise at the time of submitting the application
Having a contractual relationship with a university or a public or private organization based in Africa dedicated to scientific research.
Meet the specific requirements for each host institution you are applying for.
Only one application per person will be accepted, but each application can include up to 2 preferences of host institution.
Beneficiaries of previous editions are not eligible.