OWSD PhD Fellowships 2019 for Women Scientists from Science and Technology Lagging Countries

Deadline: May 30, 2019

Applications are invited for the OWSD PhD Fellowships 2019 for Women Scientists. 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.

Fellowship Support

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.
• 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. The sandwich fellowship is awarded for a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 research visits at the host institute. The minimum duration of the first visit is 6 months. The total number of months spent at the host institute cannot exceed 20 months. The funding period cannot exceed 4 years. OWSD particularly encourages candidates to consider the sandwich option, which allows them to earn the PhD in their home country while accessing specialist researchers and equipment abroad, at the host institute.

Cost

The OWSD fellowship covers:

• A monthly allowance to cover basic living expenses such as accommodation and meals while in the host country
• A special allowance to attend international conferences during the period of the fellowship
• A return ticket from the home country to the host institute for the agreed research period
• Visa expenses
• Annual medical insurance contribution
• The opportunity to attend regional science communications workshops, on a competitive basis
• Study fees (including tuition and registration fees) in agreement with the chosen host institute which is also expected to contribute

Eligibility

• The minimum qualification is an MSc degree in one of the listed study fields below
• 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
• Candidates must confirm that they intend to return to their home country as soon as possible after completion of the fellowship. The list of eligible countries is available here.

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.

Application

The following documents are required for complete application:

• PhD research proposal outline
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae
• Preliminary acceptance letter
• Letter of commitment
• Reference letters
• Passport
• Registration and No objection certificate
• Supporting statement from home supervisor

The online application system will only accept applications complete in all parts, including the required documents. All documents must be uploaded through the online application system. Do not email any document to OWSD unless requested.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit OWSD PhD Fellowships.