NATO Science & Technology Women and Girls in Science Challenge 2026

📝 About the Challenge

The Women and Girls in Science Challenge 2026 (WGS26) invites applications from young women who are:

• University students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD level)
• Early career researchers
• Interested in starting a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or defence-related fields

Sponsor Organization

The challenge is sponsored by NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO).

🎁 Benefits

Participants in the challenge will receive the following benefits:

• Formal recognition from the NATO Chief Scientist for all 12 finalists.
• The three selected winners will have the opportunity to visit the Centre for Maritime Research Experimentation (CMRE) in La Spezia, Italy.
• Finalists will gain access to STEM Forward, a community that connects professionals and experts from the STEM ecosystem to foster scientific collaboration and enhance NATO's S&T knowledge base.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The challenge is open to:

• Young women aged 18 to 35
• University students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral level)
• Early career researchers
• Individuals seeking to begin a career in STEM or defence-related fields

Additional Requirements:

Applicants must:

• Be affiliated with a university
• Be nationals of NATO countries
• Submit their application in English

📅 Application Date and Process

• Applications can be submitted via the official application portal.
• Deadline: 11 March, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the challenge on the official NATO Science & Technology Women and Girls in Science Challenge website.
• Apply directly through the application portal.

Make sure to submit your application before the deadline to take advantage of this incredible opportunity!

• All 12 finalists will receive formal recognition from the NATO Chief Scientist, and the three selected winners will receive the opportunity to visit the Centre for Maritime Research Experimentation (CMRE) in la Spezia, Italy.
• Finalists will also have the opportunity to join STEM Forward, a community that brings together professionals and experts from the STEM ecosystem for the benefit of scientific collaboration and enhancement of the NATO S&T knowledge base