OWSD Call for Applications: PhD fellowships for women scientists

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) offers PhD fellowships for women scientists from Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs) to pursue their PhD at a host institute in the South. 

The programme is administered with funds generously provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and is offered in partnership with host institutes throughout the developing world.

Purpose:

The general purpose of the fellowship programme is to contribute to the emergence of a new generation of women leaders in science and technology, and to promote their effective participation in the scientific and technological development of their countries.

The specific aims of the fellowship programme are:

• To improve access to educational and training opportunities in science and technology for young and talented women graduates from STLCs.
• To increase the scientific productivity and creativity of women scientists in STLCs.
• To empower a new generation of talented women to assume a leadership role in science and technology.
• To encourage women scientists to contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.
• To enable women scientist from the South to collaborate and network on a regional and international level.

Eligibility:

1. Candidates must confirm that they intend to return to their home country as soon as possible after completion of the fellowship.
2. Eligible countries: the list of eligible countries is available here.
3. Eligible scientific 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
4. Eligible academic qualification The minimum qualification is an MSc degree in one of the above listed study fields.
5. Eligible host institutes: Host institutes must be located in a developing country in the South (not the candidate’s home country).
   • A list of recommended institutes is available here.
   • Other institutes, not included in the link above, will also be considered if they demonstrate appropriate resources and expertise.
   • Candidates should identify a host institute outside their home country. They can identify a further two host institutes if desired.
   • Candidates who are already on site in the host country will not usually be considered eligible.

Candidates can choose between two study schemes: a full-time fellowship (maximum 4 years funding), where the research is undertaken entirely at a host institute in another developing country in the South, or a sandwich fellowship, where the candidate must be a registered PhD student in her home country and undertakes part of her studies at a host institute in another developing country. 

Read more here.

Applications deadline April 15, 2021.