We are pleased to announce the launch of the 11th edition of the Science by Women program, an initiative led by the Women for Africa Foundation to promote African women’s leadership in scientific research and technology transfer.
To date, the Women for Africa Foundation collaborates with 33 leading Spanish research institutes and 18 supporting institutions, who share their commitment to excellence, equity, and international cooperation. The program has supported over 170 outstanding researchers, contributing to the creation of a vibrant network of African women scientists.
This year, 15 research centers will host one researcher for a six-month stay, with the exception of the Institute of Health Carlos III, which will host three fellows. The 11th edition will bring the Women for Africa Foundation programme closer to the milestone of 190 beneficiaries, further strengthening the N.O.W. IS Africa network and its role in fostering scientific collaboration across continents.
The call for applications is now open, with a deadline of 30 November 2025.
Science for social change
Since its creation in 2014, Science by Women has fostered gender-aware scientific cooperation, recognizing research as a key driver for social, economic, and productive development. The program offers a flexible structure that allows fellows to combine professional and personal responsibilities, with attention to the realities many women face in academia. To date, over 170 African women from 38 countries have participated, developing projects in areas such as health, energy, water, climate change, agriculture, and food security.
Globally, women represent only 33% of researchers, dropping to 31% in sub-Saharan Africa, with persistent gaps in funding, collaboration networks, and leadership positions. Supporting women’s leadership in science is not only a matter of equity but also a development strategy: gender equality in research and innovation could significantly boost productivity and strengthen the resilience of African scientific systems in the face of global challenges.
Key dates of the 11th edition
- Official launch: 20 October 2025
- Application deadline: 30 November 2025
- Publication of selected candidates: 23 December 2025
- Fellowship period: 1 January 2026 – 31 May 2027
Participating centres and fellowships
- Diputación Foral de Bizkaia
- Diputación Foral de Guipuzkoa
- Gobierno de Canarias
- CSIC
- Fundación CSAI
- Fundación del Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (FHNP)
ICMAB participation
ICMAB has actively participated in the Science by Women program since 2021, hosting fellows in materials science, nanotechnology, energy, and biomedical research. Through its involvement, the institute contributes to fostering international collaboration and empowering African women scientists to develop high-impact projects that benefit their communities and the global scientific ecosystem.
Muthumuni Managa (fellow of the 9th edition of the Science by Women programme at ICMAB) in the LMI group lab at ICMAB | ICMAB-CSIC
Apply or find more information
- El programa «Science by Women» lanza su 11ª edición de becas de investigación para científicas africanas
- “Science by Women” launches its 11th edition of research fellowships for African women scientists
- Science by Women - 11th edition Call
Read more: ICMAB experiences
- ICMAB - "The outcome of my research at ICMAB can be applied in my country, Nigeria"
- ICMAB - Muthumuni Managa: "Collaboration between institutions is essential because it enhances one's scope in terms of research"
- ICMAB - ICMAB joins the 10th anniversary celebration of the Science by Women program