“Science by Women” launches its 11th edition of research fellowships for African women scientists

Madrid, October 20, 2025 — Women for Africa Foundation announces the opening of the 11th call for applications of the Science by Women program, a pioneering initiative that promotes the leadership of African women scientists through research stays in Spanish centers of excellence.

 

Science for Social Change

Since its creation in 2014, Science by Women has championed scientific cooperation with a gender perspective, recognizing that research is a key tool for social, economic, and productive development.

What distinguishes Science by Women is its inclusive approach: there is no age limit, its flexible structure allows researchers to balance professional and personal responsibilities, and it pays special attention to the academic and family realities many women face.

This commitment has already enabled more than 170 African women scientists from 38 countries to carry out research in areas such as health, energy, water, climate change, agriculture, and food security.

The Importance of Women’s Leadership in Science

Globally, women represent only 33% of all researchers, according to data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS, 2023). In Sub-Saharan Africa, that figure drops to 31%, and significant gaps remain in access to funding, collaboration networks, and leadership positions.

Supporting women’s leadership in science is not only a matter of justice but also a strategy for development: according to the World Bank (2022), achieving gender equality in research and innovation could significantly increase productivity and strengthen the resilience of African scientific systems in the face of global challenges such as climate change and health crises.

Key Dates

• Official launch: October 20, 2025
• Application deadline: November 30, 2025
• Publication of selected fellows: December 23, 2025
• Fellowship period: between January 1, 2026, and May 31, 2027

Participating Centers and Available Fellowships

In this edition, the program includes the collaboration of 15 Spanish research centers, offering a total of 17 fellowships. Of these, three will be hosted by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), reaffirming its commitment to biomedical research and international cooperation.

 

Partners Committed to Equality

Science by Women is made possible thanks to the support of public and private entities that share a commitment to gender equity and sustainable development:

• Provincial Council of Bizkaia
• Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa
• Government of the Canary Islands
• Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
• CSAI Foundation
• Foundation of the National Hospital for Paraplegics (FHNP)

This institutional support strengthens the impact of the program, which has already built an international network of African scientific excellence through its community of fellows #NOWisAfrica.

 

Apply Now

👉 2025–2026 Call for Applications
More information about the program: 11th Edition of Science by Women