NATO launches second annual challenge for women and girls in science
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The NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO) is proud to announce the second edition of its initiative: the NATO STO Women & Girls in Science 2025 (WGS25) challenge. This annual initiative aims to inspire young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by providing a platform for them to share innovative research ideas that impact global security and defence.
The three winners of the WGS24 challenge with the NATO Chief Scientist at the Grand Finale of the contest on 30 May 2024 at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
About the challenge:
Launched in celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), the WGS25 challenge invites young women and girls to submit visionary research proposals addressing pressing challenges in the field of security and defence research.
Proposals should aim to solve an existing issue or prevent the emergence of new threats. Each submission should address one of the following NATO Science & Technology priorities: deterrence, energy, resilience, space and climate.
Who can participate?
Young women aged 18-35 who are nationals of NATO member countries and are enrolled in or have completed university-level studies in STEM fields (including social sciences). This challenge is open to university students (bachelor, master, PhD), early career researchers, or individuals interested in starting a career in STEM and/or defence.
What are we looking for?
Applicants should answer the following question:
What research idea would you like to see NATO pursue over the next five years?
The application form will prompt applicants to provide:
- a title for their proposal;
- their chosen NATO Science & Technology priority;
- relevant background information for the proposal;
- their proposal’s relevance to defence and security;
- clear scientific objectives;
- key scientific topics to be addressed; and
- their proposal’s potential societal impact.
Proposals reinforcing civil-military synergies are welcome.
Key dates:
- 11 February 2025: applications open
- 11 March 2025: application deadline at 23:59 CET
- 6 June 2025: presentations by finalists at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium
Selection process:
NATO STO experts will evaluate proposals based on their novelty, relevance, coherence, feasibility and potential positive impact.
Up to 12 finalists will be selected to present their ideas in person at NATO Headquarters on 6 June 2025. Each finalist will deliver a 10-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. A panel of experts will then select three winners.
Award:
All 12 finalists will be formally recognised by the NATO Chief Scientist for their contributions to the challenge.
Additionally, the three winners will receive an exclusive opportunity to visit the NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) in La Spezia, Italy during the summer of 2025.
How to apply:
To participate in the challenge, please complete the application form in English. Please note that, to ensure consistency during the selection process, submissions in other languages cannot be accepted.
The deadline for submissions is 11 March 2025, 23:59 CET. Late entries will not be considered.
Contact:
WGS25 challenge inquires may be directed to info@natostowgs.com.