The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in Geneva has opened applications for the Fourth Edition of the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship 2026, a fully funded international training and leadership programme designed for emerging biosecurity leaders from the Global South. The fellowship provides advanced learning, policy engagement, and international networking opportunities for young scientists interested in biosecurity, disarmament, and global health security.
Application Deadline: 5 March 2026
Programme Duration: June – August 2026 (3 months)
Location: Online sessions + in-person visit to Geneva, Switzerland
Funding: Economy-class travel and daily subsistence allowance provided according to UN rules
About the Youth for Biosecurity Initiative
The Youth for Biosecurity Initiative was established as a Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop in 2019 and has since engaged more than 140 young scientists through an innovative training model focused on biosecurity diplomacy and international cooperation.
For the 2026 edition, 20 competitively selected young scientists from the Global South will participate in a structured programme that combines virtual learning, collaborative research, and direct exposure to global biosecurity diplomacy processes during the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) meetings in Geneva.
The fellowship is designed to strengthen the next generation of leaders working at the intersection of life sciences, security, and international policy.
Fellowship Objectives
The Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship aims to support emerging leaders by enabling them to:
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Deepen expertise in biosecurity and disarmament policy
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Build leadership skills and confidence in international engagement
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Exchange ideas with senior experts and policymakers
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Develop practical proposals to strengthen global biosecurity
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Collaborate with interdisciplinary peers from different regions
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Join an international network of young biosecurity professionals
Who Can Apply?
- Be under 35 years old at the time of applying,
- Be citizens of a BWC State Party listed as least developed country, low- or lower/upper middle-income country – Check if your country is in the 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.
- Have proof of proficiency in written and spoken English to a level of B2 or higher (Global scale – Table 1 (CEFR 3.3): Common Reference levels – Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).), with a certificate of confirmation to be provided.
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.
What the Programme Includes
The fellowship runs over a three-month period and is structured to accommodate professional and academic schedules while maintaining active participation requirements.
Online Webinar Series (June–July 2026)
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Five interactive online webinars
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Schedule: 3 June to 1 July 2026
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Frequency: Approximately one session per week
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Duration: About two hours per session
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Time: Wednesdays at 2:00 PM CET (opening session at 3:00 PM CET)
Collaborative Scientific Poster Project
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Group-based scientific poster competition
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Preparation during July 2026
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Presentation at the BWC Working Group meeting in August 2026
In-Person Visit to Geneva
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Five-day visit from 17–21 August 2026
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Participation in meetings of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention
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Full attendance required for all selected fellows
Funding and Travel Support
Successful applicants will receive:
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Economy-class travel tickets to Geneva
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Daily subsistence allowance during official programme dates
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Access to all programme learning activities and events
Participants are responsible for securing any required travel documents, including visas, for entry into Switzerland.
Why Apply for the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship?
This programme offers a rare opportunity for young scientists to engage directly with international policy processes while strengthening technical knowledge and leadership capacity in biosecurity. Fellows gain exposure to UN-level discussions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global professional networks that can support long-term career growth in science, policy, and international security.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official application form.
Application Deadline: 5 March 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and ensure that all eligibility requirements are met before submission.
Final Thoughts
The Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for young scientists from the Global South to develop expertise in biosecurity diplomacy, contribute to international discussions, and build a global professional network. With fully funded participation and direct engagement with the United Nations disarmament framework, the fellowship offers both academic and professional value for those committed to strengthening global biosecurity.
If you are an emerging scientist interested in international policy, life sciences, and global security, this programme provides a strong platform to advance your leadership journey.
