August 31, 2020
The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) aims to help grow the number of women in the nuclear field, supporting an inclusive workforce of both men and women who contribute to and drive global scientific and technological innovation.
Named after pioneer physicist and Nobel Prize laureate Marie Sklodowska-Curie, the program aims to inspire and encourage young women to pursue a career in nuclear science and technology, nuclear safety and security, or nonproliferation, by providing highly motivated and talented female students scholarships for Master’s programs and an opportunity to pursue IAEA internships.
Selected students receive a scholarship for up to 2 years for Master’s programs in nuclear science and technology, nuclear safety and security, or non-proliferation studies at accredited universities. They are also provided with an opportunity to pursue an internship at the IAEA for up to 12 months.
Scholarships are awarded annually, with up to 100 female students selected per year depending on the availability of funds. Geographic representation is also considered. For more information on the application process:
The importance of women in science
Scientific breakthroughs have given the world previously unimaginable benefits. Marie Sklodowska-Curie’s pioneering work on radioactivity in the late 1800s enabled us to harness the power of the atom, producing countless benefits to humankind.
As the world faces pressures from a changing climate, growing populations, food insecurity and increased energy demand, maintaining a qualified workforce to drive innovation and productivity is all the more crucial. Nuclear science, technology, nuclear safety and security, and nonproliferation studies can help countries tackle several of these challenges, and the demand is high for qualified professionals in this field and will continue to grow.
In its unique mandate to accelerate and enlarge the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the IAEA is at the forefront of research and technology transfer and depends on a stable pool of qualified technical professionals to fulfil its mission. This workforce does and must include women.
Women, however, are far from being adequately represented in the nuclear field. They often face barriers to enter and progress in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), right from their school years. The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme seeks to enable more women from around the world to pursue a STEM career, with a focus on nuclear science, technology, nuclear safety and security, or nonproliferation studies. The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme builds up gender-balanced capacities relevant to the national nuclear energy and nuclear applications programs, including nuclear safety and nuclear security in IAEA Member States.
