Apply for the 2025 Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship – A Fully Funded Opportunity for Global South Leaders
Are you a young professional passionate about biosecurity, biosafety, disarmament, and non-proliferation? The 2025 Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship is now open for applications, offering an exceptional fully funded opportunity for young biosecurity leaders from the Global South to engage in international science diplomacy and contribute to disarmament efforts under the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).
About the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship
Organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in Geneva, this prestigious fellowship aims to empower the next generation of biosecurity experts by providing training, leadership development, and direct engagement in global biosecurity discussions. With youth representing over 90% of the population in developing countries, their role in shaping biosecurity strategies is crucial.
Selected 20 fellows will participate in:
✅ An online interactive biosecurity training program
✅ A fully funded field visit to Geneva during the BWC Working Group meetings in August 2025
This program will equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and network to become leaders in global health security and biosecurity governance.
Why Apply? Key Benefits of the Fellowship
🌍 Global Exposure – Engage in multilateral disarmament meetings and interact with international biosecurity experts.
📚 Expert-Led Training – Gain deep insights into biosecurity, diplomacy, and disarmament strategies.
🤝 International Networking – Join a global community of young leaders working in biosecurity, public health, and security policy.
✈️ Fully Funded Travel to Geneva – Selected fellows will have all expenses covered, including travel, accommodation, and meals during the field visit.
💡 Hands-On Experience – Participate in collaborative projects and present solutions at the BWC Working Group on Strengthening the Convention.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2025 Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship, 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-income, or lower/upper middle-income country (as per the OECD Development Assistance Committee List).
✔ Hold an advanced degree in life sciences (biotechnology, microbiology, public health, or related fields). Applicants from social sciences with relevant biosecurity experience may also be considered.
✔ Have strong English language skills (written and spoken).
✔ Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Program Structure & Timeline
📅 Online Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshops (June 5 – July 5, 2025) – Weekly 2-3 hour training sessions on biosecurity, disarmament, and international diplomacy.
📅 Collaborative Project (July 2025) – Work on a team project that will be presented at the BWC Working Group.
📅 Fully Funded Geneva Field Visit (August 11-15, 2025) – Participate in high-level discussions and meetings with policymakers and experts.
Expectations from Fellows
✅ Active participation in all training sessions and Geneva field visit
✅ Engagement in discussions, workshops, and group projects
✅ Preparation for meetings and contribution to international biosecurity policy discussions
How to Apply
📌 Application Deadline: April 7, 2025
📌 Application Requirements: Submit all necessary documents as outlined in the official Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship page.
🌟 Don’t miss this rare opportunity to be part of a global movement for biosecurity and disarmament. Apply now and take your career to the next level in global he
alth security!