Young Female Scientist Programme

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) are key drivers to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but STI capabilities in developing countries are still limited. Also, there is a lack of young women scientists in developing countries and closing the gender gap will be key to accelerate progress in harnessing science, technology and innovation for truly inclusive and sustainable development for all communities and all countries.

Objective

To improve STI capabilities in relation to the achievement of the SDGs, the Young Female Scientist Programme was launched and implemented in the context of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development.

The aim of this Young Female Scientist Programme is to build human capital in STI-related fields in developing countries through educational programmes and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

Activities

The programme offers the opportunity for eligible young female scientists from ASEAN and African countries to engage in cutting-edge research activities at Okayama University in Japan for 14 to 30 days.

Intended Outcomes

Participants can gain hands-on research experience in their respective STI fields (many of them are health-related) with the help of top-class faculty at the university. Participants are expected to contribute to the achievement of SDGs in their own countries building on their research experience in Japan.

Link to the SDGs

SDG 3, SDG 9 (Target 9.5) and SDG 17 (Target: 17.6)

Monitoring and Evaluation

The project will regularly take stock of the progress made through consultations.

As the United Nations marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks about bridging the gender divide with two young researchers from Egypt and the Philippines.

Women scientists from developing countries at the forefront of cutting-edge research

9 Feb 2023

Participants of UNCTAD and Okayama University’s Young Female Scientist Programme are breaking the glass ceiling in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Young women scientists explore sustainable development solutions

23 Sep 2021

UNCTAD and Okayama University in Japan join forces to build the capacity of women researchers in developing countries working in science, technology and innovation fields.