OWSD Early Career Fellowship Award for Women 2019 in Italy

The OWSD Early Career Fellowship is a prestigious award of up to USD 50,000 that is offered to support early career women scientists to lead important research projects in those countries which have been identified as especially lacking in scientific and technological resources. The OWSD Early Career fellows will be supported to establish an environment at their institution where they can maintain an international standard of research and attract scholars from all over the world to collaborate. By supporting 60 Early Career fellows by December 2021, OWSD will create a network of outstanding women scientists who can provide mentorship and be role models for the next generation of women leaders in STEM.

For information concerning the research project proposal please click here.

Benefits

• During the 2-year fellowship, fellows will build on their leadership and management skills, develop connections with a variety of public and private sector partners to potentially convert their research into marketable products or guarantee its impact on a broader scale.
• By improving their communication and outreach skills, fellows will also learn to effectively present their research to various audiences, thus attracting new collaborators and potential funders to ensure the sustainability of the research project.

Funding

• The OWSD Early Career Fellowship is for two years and provides up to USD 50,000.
• please note that the OWSD Early Career Fellowship does not provide for the fellow’s salary which must be guaranteed by the fellow’s institution. Aslo, The fellow’s institution must waive any overheard or indirect costs on the research project.
• applicants can include in their budget break-down any costs for support from the institution that will directly benefit the research project (for example, lab technician’s time, maintenance and utilities costs, administrative officer’s time, etc.).

you can download the list of eligible expenses or you can check them as listed here.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the OWSD Early Career Fellowship applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must have been resident in one of the listed Science and Technology Lagging Countries for at least 5 years: The 5 years do not have to be consecutive.
• At the time of application, applicants must provide proof of being employed at the university or research institute where the research project will be carried out. 
• The institution where the research project will be carried out must be in one of the listed Science and Technology Lagging Countries.
• Applicants must provide evidence that they will receive a salary from their university/research institute for the duration of the two-year fellowship.
• Applicants must be in one of the eligible fields which are Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
• Ph.D. in one of the above listed study fields.
• Ph.D. awarded not more than 10 years prior to application.

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Required documents

Applicants must submit:

• A scanned copy of the passport page containing personal details (photo, document number etc).
• Passport-size portrait photo.
• Official documentation that proves residency for at least 5 years in one of the eligible Science and Technology Lagging Countries. As long as the address and the name of the applicant appear clearly, the following documents can be submitted as proof of residence: certificate of residency, statement from the local police office or municipality, population registry office, rental agreement, utilities bills, employment contract. This list is not exhaustive and alternative documents can be considered.
• If you are submitting any supporting documents in your local language, you must attach at least an informal translation into English. Documents without any English translation will not be considered.
• A scanned copy of the PhD certificate or proof of PhD issued by the University.
• A letter from the employer (dean, vice-dean or equivalent head of the applicant’s institution) on headed paper confirming applicant’s position at the institution and that the applicant will receive a salary for at least two years starting from the year of application. If employment has not been undertaken yet, a proof of employment offer and confirmation of acceptance will be requested from the applicant.
• CV.
• Complete list of publications.
• Applicants must submit two (2) reference letters; at least one must be from a senior scientist familiar with the applicant’s recent research.
• The letters must include the referee's contact details for follow up from the Selection Committee.
• The supporting statement of the head of the applicant’s institution completed and signed by the dean, vice-dean or equivalent head of institution.
• The applicant may wish to provide additional documents which provide evidence of skills, qualities or actions described in the research project (e.g. certificate of awards, memberships etc).

The applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Research proposal (50%).
2. Applicant’s profile (50%) which is based on scientific excellence, leadership skills and outreach skills.

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