The United Nations -UN Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship is an opportunity for the next generation of biosecurity leaders from the Global South to engage in multilateral discussions within the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Organized by the UNODA (United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs) in Geneva, this Fellowship provides a unique platform for young scientists to deepen their expertise in biosecurity, engage with senior experts, and connect with an international youth network.

Established in 2019 as a Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop, the Fellowship’s second edition provides a platform for 20 young scientists from the Global South to undergo online training before a field visit during the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention in Geneva.

The Fellowship aims to empower young biosecurity leaders from the Global South to:

• Deepen expertise in biosecurity and disarmament, fostering leadership skills.
• Discuss with senior experts and advocate for youth perspectives in multilateral disarmament meetings.
• Connect with peers, join an international youth network, and participate in dialogue with BWC practitioners, including diplomats and experts.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: 7 April 2025
• Program Duration: 3 months (June–August 2025)
• Online Training: 5 June – 5 July 2025
• Field Visit to Geneva: 11–15 August 2025
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Organizer: United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
• Eligible Countries: Low- or middle-income BWC State Parties
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Young professionals in biosecurity, biosafety, disarmament, health security, and non-proliferation
• Focus Area: Biosecurity, disarmament, global health security, science diplomacy
• Study Level: Postgraduate (Master’s/PhD)
• Number of Fellows: 20 fellows
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Switzerland (Geneva)

Program Overview

The Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship runs for three months and includes:

• Online Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshops (June–July 2025)
  • Weekly interactive sessions (2–3 hours each) covering biosecurity, disarmament, and science diplomacy.
• Collaborative Group Project (July 2025)
  • Fellows work together to develop a biosecurity-related project, which they will present at the BWC Working Group meeting in Geneva.
• Field Visit to Geneva (11–15 August 2025)
  • Participate in the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention.
  • Network with policymakers, scientists, and international organizations.

Benefits and Financial Aids

Fellows will benefit from the following items:

• Fully funded fellowship covering travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for the field visit to Geneva.
• Exclusive online biosecurity training with top global experts.
• Mentorship and networking with professionals in biosecurity, disarmament, and diplomacy.
• Opportunity to present a collaborative project at the BWC Working Group in Geneva.
• Certificate of completion from the UNODA.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be under 35 years old at the time of application.
• Be a citizen of a BWC State Party classified as a Least Developed, Low, or Middle-Income Country (OECD DAC list).
• Hold an advanced degree in life sciences or a related field. (Social sciences candidates may be considered if they have demonstrated interest in biosecurity and disarmament.)
• Strong written and spoken English proficiency.
• Be passionate about biosecurity, disarmament, and global health security.
• Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Expectations for a Youth for Biosecurity Fellow

Selected fellows are expected to:

• Attend and actively participate in all online training sessions and the Geneva field visit.
• Engage in discussions with experts and contribute to biosecurity policy conversations.
• Dedicate time to preparing for sessions and assignments.
• Collaborate on a group project, which will be presented during the BWC Working Group meeting.
• Obtain necessary authorization from their employer or university to attend the Geneva visit.

Required Documents

All applicants must provide:

• Brief curriculum vitae (1-3 pages)
• Recommendation letter
• Passport copy (PDF, JPEG, or PNG)

Selection Process

Please read these bullet points regarding the selection process and criteria:

• The selection process is competitive. Shortlisted candidates are chosen based on eligibility criteria and geographical and gender balance.
• Selection criteria include demonstrated interest and experience in biosecurity, biosafety, youth advocacy, disarmament, and non-proliferation.
• Result announcements will be via email approximately one month after the application deadline.
• Successful applicants should confirm their interest and availability to join the Fellowship within one week.

How to Apply?

Interested applicants can apply online via the provided link before the April 7, 2025, deadline. Applicants ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and provide all requested documents.

Apply Now

If you have any questions or need more details regarding the UN Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship, please visit the official UNODA website.

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