OWSD Programmes

We offer programmes to support women scientists in developing countries in four key areas: community, mobility, capacity and visibility

Each programme comes with a wealth of training opportunities which OWSD is developing and providing with key partners in the South.

Through these programmes, women scientists attend conferences and seminars, develop skills, receive mentorship, and ultimately become leaders in their field while advocating for the inclusion of women’s knowledge and needs in research projects.

Membership in the international OWSD network and National Chapters ensures access to information on opportunities and skills-building activities as well as direct participation in national events.

South-to-South PhD Fellowships (from 1998-2022) allow women scientists from poorly resourced countries to travel to centres of excellence in developing countries to study STEM subjects.

Since 2024, the WISDOM programme has provided master’s scholarships for displaced women scientists at host institutions in the Global South, offering a capacity-building component that equips the host institutes to better address the academic, social, and protection needs of displaced students.

Grants for Early Career stage women scientists support research-related expenses in scientists’ home countries with the aim of building international centres of research excellence, located in Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs).

Targeted awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of women scientists from developing countries. OWSD also provides training and opportunities for women scientists from developing countries to showcase their achievements and contributions to their field through various kinds of scientific communications and outreach, including storytelling through film and podcasting. Raising the profile of excellent women scientists helps break down stereotypes and biases and increases the visibility and representation of women in science.