Hey, there’s this great thing happening in Geneva, Switzerland! It’s a five-day forum for young people, paid for. They’re calling it the United Nations Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship 2024, and looking for candidates. They want to bring together young leaders globally to learn more about biosecurity, become greater leaders, and work together. It lasts for three months, and if you get in, you’ll also get to visit Geneva for 5, days in August 2024!
They need young people to join discussions about biological weapons at the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Their fresh ideas are important for finding new solutions and keeping everyone engaged in the long run. It’s mostly helpful to hear from young people in developing states, where most of the world’s youth live.
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, along with other important international partners, is hosting the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship in Geneva. It’s all about helping young human beings get elaborate in science diplomacy and global biosecurity. This fellowship offers a specific chance to learn and connect with others involved in talks about biological weapons at the Biological Weapons Convention in Geneva.
In 2019, they started something called the Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop for young people. In 2023, they organized their first fellowship. Now, for the second time, they’re offering 20 young scientists from developing states a chance to take part in an online coaching program. After that, they’ll get to go to Geneva for a meeting about building up the Biological Weapons Convention.
You need to have a high-level degree in life sciences or something similar to join. If you’re interested in Biosecurity but come from a different field like social sciences, you can yet apply. This fellowship is from the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). Switzerland is beautiful, like paradise. Don’t let this chance slip away! You can find more about how to apply below.
All About the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship 2024 in Switzerland
- Country: Switzerland
- Funded by: United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
- Who can Apply: Open to all Nationals
- No of Participants: 20
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- End Date: 5th April 2024
Fellowship Duration and Activities
- The program lasts for 3 months.
- Participants attend an online Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop, which runs from June 5th to July 5th, 2024, with sessions every week.
- They collaborate on a project together, which they’ll present at a meeting in Geneva in August 2024.
- There’s also a 5-day trip to Geneva from August 19th to 23rd, 2024
Benefits
- We’ll cover your travel to and from Geneva.
- We’ll provide accommodation for you.
- UNODA will give you invitation letters to help with your visa.
Who can Apply?
- Be younger than 35 years old.
- Be a citizen of a country listed as eligible. LIST HERE
- Have a higher degree in life sciences or a similar field from a recognized university.
- People with backgrounds in fields like social sciences might still be considered.
- Even undergrad students can apply if they have experience and interest in relevant areas.
- Women are encouraged to apply.
They want more women to apply. When choosing participants, we’ll make sure to have a good mix of genders and regions to keep things fair and diverse.
Join the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship if you
- If you love and have done stuff related to keeping biology safe, making sure weapons don’t spread, or getting young people involved, and you want to see how you can stop bad guys from misusing biological stuff,
- If you’re curious to know more about the Biological Weapons Convention and how it helps make the world safer and healthier,
- If you think young folks like you can make the world a better place and you’re ready to be part of it,
- If you’re excited to peek behind the scenes and see how scientists and diplomats work together in big meetings to make sure weapons stay out of the picture.
Programme overview
The Fellowship lasts for 3 months and won’t take up too much of your time, so you can still do your job or studies. Here’s what you’ll do:
- Join an Online Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop from June 5th to July 5th, 2024. It’ll be about one session (about 2 to 3 hours) per week.
- Work together on a project in July 2024, which you’ll present at a meeting in August 2024.
- Attend an online briefing about the meeting in July/August 2024.
- Take a 5-day trip to Geneva from August 19th to 23rd, 2024, during the meetings.
Here is what you will benefit from:
- A free trip to Geneva for the Working Group meeting.
- A month of online workshops before the meeting.
- Get to chat with top experts in disarmament, biosecurity, and health safety in small groups.
- Chance to hang out with other young scientists, diplomats, and experts from all over.
- Join a big network of new professionals in biosecurity.
What you need to do as a Youth for Biosecurity fellow:
- Join all online sessions and the field visit (make sure to get permission from your employer or university if needed).
- Get involved in all the Fellowship’s activities; it’s meant to be interactive and needs everyone to take part.
- Set aside enough time to get ready for each session and discussion. It’ll be pretty busy, so being prepared beforehand is important for everyone to join in.
Required Documents:
1. A short resume about yourself.
2. A letter from someone who can vouch for you.
3. A copy of your passport.
How to Apply?
Just carefully fill out the online form completely. If it’s not filled out properly, we can’t consider it. You can find the link to the official website below.
