Call for Applications: 2026 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early Career Women Scientists
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) is pleased to announce the 2026 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early Career Women Scientists in the Developing World. These prestigious awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of women scientists from the Global South who are conducting high-quality research in the area of sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy, contributing to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
Purpose of the Awards
These awards aim to highlight the contributions of early-career women researchers working in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. From 2022 to 2026, the awards focus specifically on scientific research that supports sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy a direct contribution to SDG 7. Research may include, but is not limited to:
- Expanding access to modern energy services
- Increasing the share of renewable energy in the global mix
- Improving energy efficiency
- Facilitating access to clean energy technology
- Promoting investment in sustainable energy infrastructure
- Enhancing technology in least developed, land-locked, and small island developing countries
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a woman scientist who received a PhD in a STEM discipline within the last 10 years (PhD certificate dated no earlier than 31 August 2015)
- Currently conducting scientific research related to sustainable energy
- Have lived and worked for at least 5 of the last 15 years in one of the 66 eligible scientifically and technologically lagging countries (STLCs) [See full list on OWSD website]
- Be conducting research in one or more of the following fields:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences
- Biological Systems and Organisms
- Chemical Sciences
- Computing and Information Technology
- Engineering Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Medical and Health Sciences (including Neurosciences)
- Physics
- Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology
- Social sciences, arts, and humanities are not eligible
- Preference will be given to candidates:
- Currently residing in an STLC
- Who have not received OWSD or TWAS awards, grants or fellowships in the past three years
- Who can demonstrate impact, leadership, and resilience in challenging environments
Prize Details
Each award winner will receive:
- A cash prize of USD 5,000
- An all-expenses-paid trip to a high-profile international conference where the award will be presented
Five awards will be granted:
- One winner from each of the four OWSD regions: Africa, Arab Region, Asia & the Pacific, and Latin America & the Caribbean
- One “floating” award for an outstanding candidate from any region
Application Components
Applications must be submitted online via the OWSD website and include:
- Proof of 5 years’ residence in an eligible country
(e.g. utility bills, rental agreements, employer letters, police or municipal statements) - PhD certificate
- Curriculum Vitae
- Full list of publications
- Motivational statement (max 2,500 characters) describing:
- The significance and impact of your research
- Your greatest scientific achievements
- How your work contributes to SDG7
- Challenges you’ve overcome in your personal or professional journey
- Two reference letters
(Must be signed and on official letterhead from senior scientists familiar with your work) - Supporting documentation
(Non-English documents must be accompanied by informal English translations)
A template for the application and guidelines are available on the OWSD website. All applicants are advised to consult these documents carefully before beginning the application process.
Selection Process
A distinguished panel of experts in the relevant fields will assess submissions. The evaluation criteria will include:
- Scientific excellence and innovation
- Contribution to sustainable development
- Leadership and mentorship roles
- Research relevance to local or regional needs
- Evidence of overcoming professional or personal barriers
The selection committee, convened online since 2020, includes international and local experts from institutions such as the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the University of Trieste, UNESCO, and others.
Successful candidates will be notified by 31 December 2025.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 August 2025
- Notification of Results: By 31 December 2025
- Award Presentation: At an international conference in 2026
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organisation. For any inquiries, please contact the awarding organisation directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
