The application for the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowships for the academic year 2024/2025 is now open by United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva.
Organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva in partnership with key international actors empowering youth in science diplomacy and global biosecurity, the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship provides a unique learning and networking experience into multilateral discussions taking place in the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention in Geneva.
Launched in 2019 as a Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop, the Youth for Biosecurity Initiative is for the first time in 2023 providing the opportunity for 15 young scientists from the Global South to join an online interactive training programme prior to a field visit during the meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention in Geneva.
YOUTH FOR BIOSECURITY FELLOWSHIPS APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to apply, prospective fellows must:
- Be under the age of 40
- Be citizens of a low- or middle-income BWC State Party (Check if your country is on the list Development Assistance Committee List of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- Have an advanced degree in the life sciences or a related discipline from a recognized university or institution. [Candidates with backgrounds in other fields such as social sciences can be exceptionally considered if they have a demonstrated interest in biosecurity, health security and/or disarmament and non-proliferation]
- Have a strong command of written and spoken English
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The selection process will be guided by the need to ensure the highest quality of participants while maintaining a gender and regional balance.
HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUTH FOR BIOSECURITY STUDENT FELLOWSHIPS
1 – Once selected, we will get the ball rolling really quickly – make sure you know what you will be jumping into.
Take a look at the fellows’ expected commitments, workshop and field visit dates prior to filling out your online application. The fellows are responsible for obtaining the relevant authorizations from their employer or universities.
2 – Complete your application form.
Make sure you have the following documents ready to attach to your application [in PDF format]:
- A brief curriculum vitae (1-3 pages)
- A recommendation letter from someone who can attest to your qualifications*
- A copy of your passport [pdf, jpeg or png]
Incomplete or improperly filled-out application forms will not be considered.
*If you need more time to obtain a recommendation letter, you can submit your application without attaching one and send it later to remi.bacouillard@un.org indicating “Y4B Fellowship” and your name in the subject line. All candidates will need to provide a recommendation letter to be eligible.
3 – The Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship is a selective programme.
The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs establishes a shortlist of candidates based on eligibility criteria, geographical and gender balance. An international jury then examines all shortlisted applications. Selection criteria are related to demonstrated interest and experience in biosecurity, biosafety, youth advocacy and/or disarmament and non-proliferation.
4 – Candidates will be informed of the result by email about three weeks after the application deadline.
Successful candidates will have one week to confirm interest and availability to join the Fellowship.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS
Check out if you can be a candidate and APPLY before 29 March 2023
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