UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded youth opportunity designed for young leaders who want to learn about biosecurity, global health security, and international diplomacy. This fellowship is organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and offers an excellent platform to gain real-world knowledge, build leadership skills, and connect with global experts in the field.
The program includes 3 months of online training workshops and interactive sessions, followed by an exciting fully funded 5-day in-person forum in Geneva, Switzerland. Selected participants will join a field visit from 17 to 21 August 2026, where they will engage in discussions, learning activities, and practical exposure related to biosecurity and disarmament. The fellowship does not require IELTS and there is no application fee, making it an accessible opportunity for youth worldwide.
Benefits
The Program Covers:
- Round Airfare Tickets to/from Switzerland
- Daily Subsistence Allowance
- Official Invitation Letter for the Visa
This UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 is supported by the European Union, the Global Health Security Fund, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be under 35 years of age.
- Must be a citizen of an eligible country (as listed here).
- Must possess an advanced degree in life sciences or a related discipline from a recognized university or institution.
- Candidates with backgrounds in social sciences may be considered exceptionally.
- Undergraduate students can also apply.
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Documents
- CV
- Recommendation letter
- Copy of passport
Structure of the Program
- The program is 3 months long.
- Fellows participate in an online Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop (from 3 June to 1 July 2026).
- A five-day visit to Geneva from 17 to 21 August 2026. This covers all the expenses.
Fellowship Objectives
- Learn & Lead:
- Deepen your expertise in biosecurity and disarmament.
- Develop and enhance your leadership skills.
- Think & Act:
- Engage in discussions with senior experts.
- Contribute your voice to multilateral disarmament discussions during relevant meetings.
- Engage with Community:
- Connect with young experts in an international youth network.
- Participate in dialogue between emerging scientists and Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) practitioners.
How to Apply?
- Read the full program details carefully and check if you meet all eligibility requirements
- Make sure you can join both the online training sessions and the Geneva in-person visit
- Prepare your updated CV/resume in English
- Write a strong motivation statement explaining why you want to join the fellowship
- Collect any required supporting documents (if asked in the application form)
- Fill out the official online application form with correct personal and academic details
- Upload all required documents in the correct format
- Double-check everything before submitting your application
- Submit the application before the official deadline
- Wait for the selection results and follow the instructions if you are shortlisted
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded three-month program involving online biosecurity training and a Geneva field visit. Fellows gain leadership, diplomacy, and global biosecurity skills while networking with experts and peers.
What is the UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026?
The UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded capacity-building programme. It combines online training and a field visit to Geneva. Selected young participants learn about global biosecurity, the Biological Weapons Convention, and how to engage in science diplomacy as future leaders.
Who can apply for the UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026?
Young leaders, especially from the Global South, interested in biosecurity and related fields can apply. The fellowship seeks people passionate about biosafety, diplomacy, and global health security who want practical experience and networking with experts in Geneva.
What does the fellowship programme include?
The programme includes a series of online biosecurity diplomacy workshops over several weeks, collaborative project preparation, and an in-person visit to Geneva during official Biological Weapons Convention meetings, where fellows engage in expert discussions and leadership activities.
How long does the Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 last?
The Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 runs for approximately three months. It consists of online sessions focused on biosecurity and science diplomacy, followed by a fully funded five-day field visit to Geneva, offering direct exposure to global disarmament discussions.
What topics are covered in the online training?
Online training sessions cover key aspects of the Biological Weapons Convention, science diplomacy, governance challenges, and safeguarding bioscience against misuse. Fellows participate in webinars, expert presentations, and interactive discussions to deepen their global biosecurity knowledge.
What happens during the field visit portion of the UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026?
During the Geneva visit, fellows attend official Biological Weapons Convention sessions, engage with diplomats and technical experts, participate in leadership activities, visit institutions, and present collaborative projects designed during the online phase of the fellowship.
Is travel and accommodation funded for the fellowship?
Yes. The UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 fully funds travel to and from Geneva, in-country accommodations, and stay during the field visit. All funded visits follow international guidelines and allow fellows to engage fully in programme activities without personal cost.
Do fellows get networking opportunities?
Absolutely. The UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 connects fellows with global biosecurity networks, youth leaders, and seasoned professionals. Fellows also interact with partner organizations, fostering knowledge exchange and opening pathways for collaboration in science and diplomacy careers.
Does the UNODA Youth For Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 involve project work?
Yes. Fellows collaborate on a project during the online training period, which they present in Geneva. This hands-on component strengthens problem-solving and teamwork skills while allowing participants to explore real issues in biosecurity and bio-diplomacy.
What skills will participants gain from the fellowship?
Participants gain leadership, science diplomacy, and biosecurity knowledge. They learn to analyze policy challenges, engage with multilateral frameworks, and communicate insights effectively. Fellows also build international networks and apply innovation in biosecurity contexts.
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