2023 Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship for Biosecurity Leaders from the Global South

Apply now for the 2023 Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship for Biosecurity Leaders from the Global South on Trueport your best worldwide scholarship website on the internet. The global norm against biological weapons cannot be maintained without youth voices being included in the multilateral discussions taking place in the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Youth perspectives are key to creating innovative solutions and generating long-term engagement. There are particular benefits to including the perspectives of young people from developing countries, where most of the world’s youth is concentrated. 2023 Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship for Biosecurity Leaders from the Global South

Established by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva in collaboration with key international actors empowering youth in science diplomacy and global biosecurity, the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship provides a unique learning and networking experience into multilateral discussions taking place in the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention in Geneva.

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Launched in 2019 as a Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop, the Youth for Biosecurity Initiative is for the first time in 2023 providing the opportunity for 15 young scientists from the Global South to join an online interactive training programme prior to a field visit during the meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention in Geneva.

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

• Learn & lead: Deepen your expertise in biosecurity and disarmament to build leadership skills
• Think & act: Engage in discussions with senior experts and make your voice heard in the margins of multilateral disarmament meetings
• Engage with the community: Connect with young experts, join an international youth network, and enjoy a space for dialogue between young scientists and BWC practitioners including diplomats and experts.

Eligibility Requirements for the 2023 Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship for Biosecurity Leaders

To be eligible to apply, prospective fellows must:

• Be under the age of 40
• Be citizens of a low- or middle-income BWC State Party (Check if your country is on the list Development Assistance Committee List of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
•  Have an advanced degree in the life sciences or a related discipline from a recognized university or institution. [Candidates with backgrounds in other fields such as social sciences can be exceptionally considered if they have a demonstrated interest in biosecurity, health security, and/or disarmament and non-proliferation]
• Have a strong command of written and spoken English

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The selection process will be guided by the need to ensure the highest quality of participants while maintaining a gender and regional balance.

Program Overview

The Fellowship runs over a 3-month period and requires a minimal time commitment to accommodate fellows’ work or academic schedules. Activities include:

• An Online Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop from 24 May to 28 June with approximately one session (two to three hours) per week
• An online briefing on the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention in July 2023
• A five-day field visit in Geneva from 7 to 11 August 2023 during the meetings of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention

Benefits

• Fully funded visit to Geneva during the Meeting of the Working Group on the strengthening of the Convention
• One month of pre-Working Group online workshop in the lead-up to the field visit
• Small group interactions with leading experts in disarmament and nonproliferation, biosecurity, biosafety, and health security
• Opportunities to meet, collaborate and network with fellow young scientists, diplomats, experts, civil society organizations, and other international youth-driven networks
• Be part of a growing network of early-career professionals in biosecurity

Method of Application

1 – Once selected, we will get the ball rolling really quickly – make sure you know what you will be jumping into.

Take a look at the fellows’ expected commitment, workshop, and field visit dates prior to filling out your online application. The fellows are responsible for obtaining the relevant authorizations from their employers or universities.

2 – Complete your application form.

Make sure you have the following documents ready to attach to your application [in PDF format]:

1. A brief curriculum vitae (1-3 pages)
2. A recommendation letter from someone who can attest to your qualifications
3. A copy of your passport [pdf, jpeg, or png]

Incomplete or improperly filled-out application forms will not be considered.

If you need more time to obtain a recommendation letter, you can submit your application without attaching one and send it later to remi.bacouillard@un.org indicating “Y4B Fellowship” and your name in the subject line. All candidates will need to provide a recommendation letter to be eligible.

3 – The Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship is a selective programme. The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs establishes a shortlist of candidates based on eligibility criteria, and geographical and gender balance. An international jury then examines all shortlisted applications. Selection criteria are related to the demonstrated interest and experience in biosecurity, biosafety, youth advocacy, and/or disarmament and non-proliferation.

4 – Candidates will be informed of the result by email about three weeks after the application’s deadline.

Successful candidates will have one week to confirm interest and availability to join the Fellowship.

Application Deadline: March 29, 2023

2023 Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship for Biosecurity Leaders from the Global South