Apply for UNESCO Launches WINGS Caribbean to Advance Science, Women and Caribbean Transformation

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 (11:59 PM Jamaica Time, UTC−5)

About the Fellowship

The UNESCO Office for the Caribbean has launched WINGS Caribbean (Women Inspiring New Generations in Science), a new fellowship initiative designed to support outstanding women researchers and innovators whose work addresses some of the Caribbean’s most pressing development challenges. Under the theme “Advancing Science. Advancing Women. Transforming the Caribbean,” WINGS Caribbean will award two fellowships of USD 10,000 each, one in STEM and one in Social Impact. The initiative is specifically aimed at mid-career and advanced-career women whose projects address priorities including climate and environmental resilience, disaster risk reduction, digital innovation, applied scientific research, social development, governance, social entrepreneurship, and community-based research. Fellows will have up to 12 months to develop projects capable of delivering practical and measurable societal benefits.

About the Fellowship Streams

WINGS Caribbean will support outstanding women researchers and innovators through two fellowship streams.

WINGS STEM Fellowship:

This stream is focused on work that advances scientific knowledge, technical innovation, or evidence-based solutions in the following areas:

• STEM
• Climate and environmental resilience
• Disaster risk reduction
• Digital innovation and emerging technologies
• Applied scientific research

WINGS Social Impact Fellowship:

This stream is focused on work that contributes to social transformation, inclusive development, and whole-of-society wellbeing in the following areas:

• Social sciences
• Social entrepreneurship and innovation
• Governance and public policy
• Social development
• Community-based research

Each selected fellow will receive a grant of USD 10,000 to support the implementation of a project or initiative. This will also be combined with technical and scientific support from partner institutions and opportunities for regional recognition and visibility through UNESCO channels.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Identify as women and be nationals of UNESCO Member States or Associate Members in the English-speaking and Dutch-speaking Caribbean
• Be affiliated with a recognized academic institution, research centre, public body, or accredited innovation or social enterprise organization
• Be at a mid-career or advanced career stage, with demonstrated relevant experience
• Propose an original, nationally relevant project that can be completed within 12 months and has a clear pathway to measurable societal benefit

Only one application may be submitted per applicant. Applicants must select the stream that best matches the proposed project.

Expected Outputs

Selected fellows will be expected to deliver:

• A research, policy, or innovation output with practical application and potential for societal benefit
• Two dissemination activities targeting relevant stakeholders, beneficiaries, and/or decision-makers
• A concise policy brief, technical guidance note, or applied knowledge product suitable for wider use and uptake
• Interim and final narrative and financial reports, in accordance with UNESCO’s reporting requirements

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed according to the following weighted criteria:

• Scientific and/or technical quality and rigor: 20%
• Innovation and originality: 20%
• Relevance to Caribbean development priorities: 20%
• Feasibility of completion within 12 months: 10%
• Practical societal benefit and impact (including scalability and replication potential): 20%
• Contribution to gender equality and women’s empowerment: 10%

Eligible applications will undergo a technical assessment coordinated by UNESCO in collaboration with UWI-Mona FST and CAS. UNESCO will make the final fellowship decisions, taking into account the assessment results and overall objectives of this initiative.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit the following in English:

• Completed online application form, including project summary, objectives, methodology, workplan, expected results, and anticipated societal benefit
• Itemized budget and justification, not exceeding USD 10,000
• Curriculum vitae and proof of nationality
• Letter of affiliation or support from the host institution, where applicable

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the online form by the stated deadline. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Late or incomplete applications may be deemed ineligible. Selected fellows will enter into an agreement with UNESCO and must comply with applicable ethical, regulatory, reporting, visibility, and financial requirements. UNESCO reserves the right not to make an award if applications do not meet the required standard. Visit the official UNESCO WINGS Caribbean application page for full details and to access the application portal. Contact: For further information, please contact the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean at kingston@unesco.org.

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For More Information: Visit the UNESCO Launches WINGS Caribbean to Advance Science, Women and Caribbean Transformation Page