Science by Women Announces the Selected Scientists for Its 11th Edition

Madrid, 23 January 2026 — The Mujeres por África Foundation is pleased to announce the list of scientists selected for the 11th edition of the Science by Women programme, a flagship initiative aimed at supporting the leadership and research careers of African women scientists. Congratulations to all the selected researchers for their excellence, commitment and outstanding professional trajectories.

This year’s edition received 230 applications for research stays at 15 centres of excellence, a figure that reflects both the high scientific level of the candidates and the ongoing need to create specific opportunities for women in scientific research. Programmes such as Science by Women are essential to addressing the structural inequalities that still limit women scientists’ access to opportunities, visibility and professional development, particularly in contexts where gender gaps in science remain significant.

Notably, the vast majority of selected scientists in this edition come from North Africa, a region where women are playing an increasingly important role in fields such as biomedicine, health sciences, engineering and environmental sciences. Despite the progress made in recent years—especially regarding women’s access to higher education—women researchers in North Africa continue to face structural barriers in the development of their scientific careers, including limited access to international networks, funding and mobility programmes. Initiatives such as Science by Women help strengthen their international projection and consolidate their scientific leadership.

All participating research centres have now completed their selection processes, with the exception of the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) and the Castilla-La Mancha Health Research Institute (IDISCAM), whose results will be announced shortly.

🔗 See the full list of selected scientists here:
https://mujeresporafrica.es/11th-edition-science-by-women/final-beneficiaries-11th-edition-science-by-women/

Once again, the Mujeres por África Foundation would like to congratulate all the selected scientists and thank all applicants for their interest in this new edition of the programme.