Science by Women Launches its 11th Edition: Fellowships for African Women Researchers

The 11th edition of the Science by Women program is being launched by the Women for Africa Foundation. As a fundamental pillar of the Foundation, this initiative is designed to strengthen African women’s leadership in scientific research and technology transfer. The goal is to tackle critical challenges confronting Africa by empowering women researchers to guide the continent’s shift towards a knowledge-based economy and to overcome the structural and economic obstacles that hinder their full involvement in science.

A 6-month post-doctoral fellowship program is offered in partnership with recognized Spanish Centers of Excellence. For this edition, 17 fellowships have been made available across 15 research centers. More than 170 African women researchers have been supported by the program since it began, involving a total of 33 institutions. Key challenges such as health, agriculture, food security, water, energy, and climate change represent the central research areas for these fellowships. The unwavering commitment of over 50 program partners, which includes universities, research institutions, and public and private funders like the CSIC, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Abertis Foundation, enables this program to continue.

Application Process and Deadlines

The Science by Women microsite is the designated portal where all applications, submitted in English, must be received. Before submission, a thorough review of all application sections, General Requirements, Required Documents, General Conditions, and Important Considerations is strongly recommended. The application guidelines can be downloaded from the site.

November 30th, 2025, at 23:59h (Madrid-CET+1 time) is the final deadline for applications. An extension of the registration period may be granted for fellowships that lack a sufficient number of applicants.
Click to apply.

General Requirements

Eligibility for the fellowship requires candidates to be women who are nationals and residents of an African country. A PhD in a relevant scientific field must be held by the application deadline or proof provided for its completion by the fellowship start date. A current or recent contractual relationship with an African university or scientific research organization is essential, and the specific requirements of the chosen host institution must be met. While only a single application per person is permitted, applicants can indicate a preference for up to 2 host institutions. Previous beneficiaries of the program are not eligible to apply.

Required Documents
The submission of specific documentation is required. Files must be in formats such as PDF, DOC, JPG, or PNG, with a maximum size of 4 MB. The necessary documents comprise:

• Passport and National Identification Document
• Profile Picture
• CV
• English language level certificate (recommended, though not compulsory)
• A tailored 3-page research proposal for each selected host institution.
• Motivation letter
• Letter of referral/recommendation
• Certified and translated PhD diploma

Selection Process

The Women for Africa Foundation first conducts a review of all applications to verify eligibility. A subsequent, highly competitive evaluation is then performed by the host institutions. The assessment criteria include:

• The research career, CV, and experience of the candidate.
• The alignment of the candidate’s experience with the host institution’s research theme.
• The innovative potential and scientific-technical quality of the project.
• The measurable economic or social impact anticipated from the research.
• The candidate’s strategy for communicating and disseminating the results.
• The appropriate consideration of ethical issues.

Innovative projects that address Africa’s needs and possess potential for social impact or commercial exploitation are expected from successful applicants. Note that funding for laboratory materials, sample shipping, or publication costs is not provided by the Women for Africa Foundation.

General Conditions of the Fellowship

A continuous 6-month research stay is the standard fellowship period, which must be completed within a window of one and a half years starting January 2026. Some host institutions may have different conditions.

Benefits include:

• A gross monthly living allowance of 2,600 euros (resulting in 1,976 euros net after a 24% tax deduction).
• Coverage of round-trip airfare from the fellow’s city of origin to the host city in Spain (up to 1,800 euros).
• Reimbursement for visa fees and associated administrative costs (up to 400 euros upon presentation of receipts).
• Potential financial support for participating in seminars or congresses in Spain.
• Inclusion in events organized by the host institution or the Foundation.
• Membership in the N.O.W. is Africa Network for fellows.

Important Conditions
Full dedication to the research is required from beneficiaries, who cannot simultaneously receive other fellowships or regular income. The mandatory amounts for taxes and social security will be withheld by the Foundation or host institution. All requests for reimbursement of eligible expenses must be accompanied by corresponding receipts. Support is provided by the Foundation solely to the fellow, not to any relatives. The personal responsibility for securing accommodation for the entire 6-month stay rests with the selected candidates, who must arrange it at least two months before arrival.

Conditions for Termination

The right to revoke the fellowship at any time is reserved by the Women for Africa Foundation. Circumstances that may lead to termination include:

• The submission of false, misleading, or incomplete information.
• Failure to arrive at the host center on the scheduled date without a justified reason.
• Abandonment of the fellowship without authorization.
• A breach of internal rules, professional ethics, or behavioral standards.
• Engagement in any form of harassment, discrimination, or aggression.
• Misuse of fellowship funds or an inability to justify expenses.
• Demonstration of clearly unsatisfactory performance.
• Failure to secure accommodation within the stipulated deadlines.

Publication of Final Selection

By December 23rd, 2025, the list of finalists will be published. A thirty-day period is given to selected candidates to formally accept the fellowship. The offer may be passed to the next candidate on the reserve list if this deadline is missed. Research stays can be initiated from January 2026 onwards. The final award decision rests with the host center, and it is possible for a fellowship to remain unfilled or be canceled due to internal affairs.

Science by Women Fellows’ Commitments

A series of commitments must be honored by selected candidates, who are required to:

• Secure formal institutional leave approval from their home organization.
• Arrange and provide proof of accommodation for the six-month duration.
• Keep open and continuous communication channels with the Foundation and host center.
• Acquaint themselves with the living conditions and culture of the host city.
• Possess sufficient personal finances to cover initial expenses.
• Comply with all internal regulations and legal frameworks of the Spanish host institution.
• Deliver a final report on their research and experience.
• Complete mid-stay and end-stay evaluation surveys.
• Grant the Women for Africa Foundation and host center the right to use content from their reports and other materials.
• Join the N.O.W is Africa Network and participate in its activities.

No statutory or employment relationship with the Women for Africa Foundation is created by the awarding of this fellowship.

Organization Commitments

Commitments from the Science by Women program and the host institutions are outlined to ensure fellow support.

Results and Dissemination

The same terms governing the research staff of the host institution will apply to any Intellectual and Industrial Property generated by the fellows. In consideration of the fellowship benefits, recipients grant the Women for Africa Foundation and the host institution the right to publish and disseminate their research results. Any publications in scientific journals must acknowledge the support received from both the Foundation and the host institution.