Deadline: November 30, 2025
Applications are open for the Fundación Mujeres por África (FMxA) Science by Women Program 2026. 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.
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 1,800 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.
Eligibility
- 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.
- All applicants must have an advanced English language level that allows them to work. Proof of the said level might be required by the Foundation or by the host institution via a certificate or through an oral interview.
- Knowledge of the Spanish language is not mandatory; however, it can be an added value and facilitate the stay.
Selection Process
All applications will be subjected to a revision by the Women for Africa Foundation with regard to the general eligibility criteria, and a subsequently highly competitive selection process by the host institutions, through which the following criteria will be evaluated:
- The candidate’s research career, Curriculum Vitae and experience.
- How your experience fits into the research topic of the receiving research team.
- The project’s scientific-technical quality and innovative potential.
- The expected and measurable economic or social impact of the research project.
- The candidate’s plan to communicate and disseminate the project’s results.
- The proper consideration of ethical issues, where appropriate.
Application
To apply, you will need to attach the following documents:
- Passport and National Identification Document
- Profile Picture
- CV
- English language level certificate (it is not compulsory, but recommended)
- Each choice of fellowship must be accompanied by a tailored 3-pages research proposal.
- Motivation letter
- Letter of referral/recommendation
- PhD diploma, certified and translated
For more information, visit Science by Women Program.
