NATO STO Women & Girls in Science Challenge 2026 – Applications Open

Application Deadline: 11 March 2026

About the Challenge

The NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO) has officially launched the 2026 Women & Girls in Science (WGS26) Challenge. This global initiative is designed to empower young women to contribute bold and innovative science and technology ideas that could help shape the future of security, defence, and societal resilience.

What It Is

The WGS26 Challenge invites women and girls aged 18–35 from NATO member countries to develop creative research proposals addressing one of five fictional “A Day Without…” scenarios. These scenarios are carefully crafted to stimulate strategic thinking about real-world vulnerabilities and their potential implications. Each proposal should not exceed approximately 1,300 words.

The five scenarios include:

• A Day Without Space
• A Day Without Power
• A Day Without the Internet
• A Day Without Antibiotics
• A Day Without Boots on the Ground

These thought-provoking scenarios encourage participants to propose forward-thinking science and technology solutions that have meaningful implications for defence, security, and broader societal resilience.

Who Can Apply

The challenge is open to:

• Women and girls aged 18–35 years
• Nationals of NATO member countries
• University students at Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD level
• Early career researchers
• Individuals starting their journey in STEM fields

All STEM disciplines are eligible, including social sciences, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern security challenges.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 11 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
• Finalist Presentations: 9 June 2026 at NATO Headquarters, Brussels

What You Get

Selected participants will receive:

• Up to 12 finalists chosen to present their proposals in person at NATO Headquarters in Brussels
• Formal recognition from the NATO Chief Scientist
• For the top 3 winners: career-boosting opportunities including visits and engagement with NATO’s science and defence community
• Networking opportunities through the STEM Forward professional community

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their proposals online through the official NATO STO WGS26 application portal.

Click here to apply for the challenge

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the NATO STO Women & Girls in Science Challenge 2026