UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 for International Students
Applications are now open for the UNODA Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland. International applicants from around the world are encouraged to apply. This fellowship aims to empower and engage young leaders in the field of biosecurity while enhancing their understanding of disarmament and global security issues. No IELTS is required, and there is no application fee.
Since its launch as a Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop in 2019, this program has engaged more than 140 young scientists through an innovative and interactive training approach. For the 2026 edition, 20 young scientists from the Global South will be selected through a competitive process to take part in a series of online webinars, followed by an in-person visit to Geneva in August 2026 as part of the BWC Working Group on strengthening the convention.
Applications are currently open for the UNODA Youth Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland, offering a fully funded opportunity to participate in a five-day youth forum. Hosted by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in Geneva, the program includes three months of online workshops and seminars focused on biosecurity and diplomacy. This will be followed by a study visit to Geneva from August 17 to August 21, 2026, where selected participants will gain practical exposure and international experience.
UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 Details
| Offered by: | United Nations Office |
| Duration: | 3 Months |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Switzerland |
| Last date: | 5 March 2026 |
Financial Benefits
UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland (Fully Funded) for international students covers:
- Round Airfare Tickets to/from Switzerland
- Daily Subsistence Allowance
- Official Invitation Letter for the Visa
Structure
- The course lasts for three months.
- From June 3 to July 1, 2026, fellows take part in an online workshop on biosecurity diplomacy.
- A five-day trip to Geneva in August 17–21, 2026. All of the costs are covered by this.
Theme
- Theme: Curatorial Practice Focused on the Community
- Candidates that closely collaborate with communities in their cultural and curatorial practices will be the focus of the 2026 program.
- Fellows will investigate how curating, creating art, and institutional work may all involve fostering a sense of community. This comprises:
- Making use of personal experiences
- Creating enduring connections
- Educating communities
- In accordance with their cultural and professional backgrounds, fellows will:
- Examine various community-centered models.
- Examine regional, global, local, and online environments.
- Examine digital and networked platforms.
- Fellows will examine a few previous museum exhibits and:
- Consider how they may be redesigned now.
- Make them more pertinent and community-connected.
- Encourage more active participation and discussion.
Objectives
Learn & Lead:
- Expand your knowledge of disarmament and biosecurity.
- Improve and expand your leadership abilities.
Think & Act:
- Have conversations with senior specialists.
- Participate in pertinent gatherings and lend your voice to multilateral disarmament talks.
Engage with Community:
- Join a global youth network to network with young professionals.
- Engage in discussions between practitioners of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and up-and-coming scientists.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be under 35 tp be eligible.
- A citizen of one of the qualifying nations is welcome.
- Applicants must hold an advanced degree from an accredited university or institution in the life sciences or a similar field.
- Applicants with social science backgrounds can be given special consideration.
- Additionally, undergraduate applicants may apply.
- Applications from women are highly encouraged.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland for international students is 5th March 2026.
