United Nations Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship 2025
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 13
- 3 min read
Attention aspiring female scientists from the Global South — applications are now open for a special iteration of the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship 2025, organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Geneva. This year, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), there’s a unique cohort for young women. If you meet the eligibility, here’s everything you should know — and how to apply.
✍🏻 Fellowship Summary
Location: Geneva, Switzerland (field visit), with online participation for webinars/workshops.
Organizer: United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
Programme Type: Fellowship / Professional Development (for female scientists with relevant education and work experience)
Target Group: Young women (female scientists) from the Global South (least developed / low / lower‐middle / upper‐middle income countries which are BWC State Parties)
Fields of Focus: Life sciences or related disciplines; biosecurity, biosafety, disarmament, emerging technologies; work in laboratories, research etc.
Value & Coverage: The programme is fully funded (for the field‐visit portion: travel & accommodation; workshop/webinar portion is online).
Duration: Approximately 3 months (with online webinars, mentoring/networking, then a field visit)
Application Deadline: Sunday, 21 September 2025 at 23:59 (CET)
Key Programme Dates: The online portion with webinars in October-November 2025; field visit 8 to 12 December 2025 in Geneva during the Seventh Meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention.
🌍 Programme Overview
This is a special Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship, distinct from the general Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship earlier in 2025. It aims to provide a platform especially for young female scientists from the Global South to contribute to biosecurity discussions and be part of the BWC process, with these core components:
Online Interactive Webinars: To occur over October and November 2025, at least three substantive sessions. These webinars will cover topics related to biosecurity, disarmament, roles within BWC, etc.
Mentorship and Networking: Dedicated opportunities to connect with experts, peers, and institutional stakeholders in the field.
Field Visit: A five‐day in-person trip to Geneva from 8 to 12 December 2025, coinciding with the Seventh Meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention. Fellows will attend that meeting, participate in sessions, and engage in discussions.
🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship
Full funding for the field visit (travel, accommodation, visa support where relevant).
Access to high-quality learning via webinars and expert sessions.
Networking and mentorship with leading practitioners and scientists in biosecurity, disarmament, life sciences.
Participation in an important multilateral diplomatic process (BWC Working Group meeting) — experience in policy, global treaties, scientific oversight.
Opportunity to share your perspectives and research in a global forum.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must meet all of the following:
Gender: Identify as female.
Age: Under 35 years old at time of applying.
Nationality: Citizen of a Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) State Party that is least developed, low-income, or lower-/upper-middle income (as per OECD DAC list).
Education: Minimum a Master’s degree in life sciences or a related discipline from a recognised university/institution.
Work Experience: At least three years’ working experience in a relevant field (laboratories, biosecurity, emerging technologies, life sciences etc.).
Current Work: Working in a related field (biosecurity, emerging technologies, disarmament etc.) or actively involved in such research/activities.
Language: Proficiency in English; proof of mastery required.
Availability: Must be available for the full programme, including online webinars and the field visit; able to secure necessary permissions & visa where needed.
📝 Application Procedure
Here is what you need to do and submit:
Fill out the application form (available via the UNODA / official Fellowship website).
Provide required documents:
A reference letter (or letters)
Copy of passport (for identity & nationality verification)
Evidence or proof of English proficiency (if required)
Confirmation of availability for all parts of the programme (online & field visit)
Submit your application by the deadline: Sunday 21 September 2025, 23:59 CET
Note: Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. All applicants will be informed by early October 2025.
ℹ️ Extra Information & Tips
Regional balance is considered; this means they will aim for geographical diversity among selected fellows.
Although this version is specifically for women, it builds on prior versions of the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship. Understanding earlier editions (for example the general fellowship held in June-August 2025) might help you tailor your application (focus on biosecurity diplomacy, dual use research, the role of youth etc.).
Make sure to have all your documents ready well ahead of time (passport, reference letters, proof of degree, etc.), and check visa requirements for Switzerland. Also make sure to secure any necessary approvals from your university/employer in advance.
