NATO STO is currently accepting applications for the Women and Girls in Science Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About NATO STO Women and Girls in Science Challenge
The Women & Girls in Science Challenge invites young women and girls to submit visionary research proposals addressing pressing challenges in the field of defence research. Launched every year on 11 February, in celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the WGS is a NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO) diversity of thought initiative.The WGS26 Challenge calls for applications from young women who are university students (bachelor, master, PhD), early career researchers, or simply interested in starting a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and/or defence.
Benefits of NATO STO Women and Girls in Science Challenge
- A unique experience to share your research ideas that impact global security with NATO leadership. All 12 finalists will receive formal recognition from the NATO Chief Scientist, and the three selected winners will receive the opportunity to visit the Centre for Maritime Research Experimentation (CMRE) in la Spezia, Italy.
- Finalists will also have the opportunity to join STEM Forward, a community that brings together professionals and experts from the STEM ecosystem for the benefit of scientific collaboration and enhancement of the NATO S&T knowledge base.
NATO STO Women and Girls in Science Challenge Requirements
- Open to young women who are university students (bachelor, master, PhD), early career researchers, or simply interested in starting a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and/or defence.
- Applicants must be young women aged 18-35 years, affiliated with a university and nationals of NATO countries.
- Proposals must aim to answer the question "How would your research idea provide a solution for one of the five fictional foresight scenerio?"
- Applications must be submitted in English.
Application Date and Process
This form will ask participants to indicate:
- A title for their proposal,
- The chosen fictional foresight scenario.
- Relevant background information,
- The proposal’s relevance to defence and security,
- Clear scientific objectives,
- Key scientific topics to be addressed, and
- The expected exploitation potential and societal impact.
Application Deadline
11 March, 2026
Opportunity Application
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NATO STO Women and Girls in Science Challenge
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