IAEA Opens Applications for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme

The programme is named after the pioneering physicist Marie Sklodowska-Curie and seeks to promote gender parity in the nuclear sector.

The latest application cycle for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) is now open. Women pursuing master’s degrees in nuclear-related subjects are encouraged to apply by September 30, 2024.

Launched by Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in March 2020, the MSCFP aims to support women pursuing careers in nuclear fields. The programme is named after the pioneering physicist Marie Sklodowska-Curie and seeks to promote gender parity in the nuclear sector.

Achievements and Impact:

Since its inception, the MSCFP has awarded fellowships to 560 women from over 120 countries, covering a wide range of nuclear topics across more than 70 countries. The programme reduces the financial burden of academic studies, enabling young women to pursue their chosen disciplines without hesitation. Fellows also benefit from networking opportunities at technical events and through the MSCFP Students and Alumnae LinkedIn group.

Alaa Almi’ani's Journey: Alaa Almi’ani, an MSCFP recipient from Jordan, shared her experience: “My journey has been profoundly inspiring, significantly enhancing my knowledge of nuclear energy. The MSCFP equipped me with the skills necessary to achieve my master's degree and instilled in me the confidence to educate the public about the safe and vital use of nuclear energy. Moreover, it empowered me to serve as a female role model, encouraging other women to pursue careers in this field."

Mercy Mwakitalima's Experience: Mercy Mwakitalima, an MSCFP fellow from Tanzania, expressed how the programme impacted her studies: “Through the MSCFP, I've delved deep into the realm of computer science and knowledge discovery. Exploring information security has been eye-opening, paving the way for me to unravel the mysteries of data protection, cyber defence, and insightful data analytics. MSCFP is where theory meets practice, shaping my path towards a tech-savvy future.”

Programme Benefits and Opportunities:

After completing their studies, fellows have the opportunity to pursue internships at the IAEA or partner organizations, such as IAEA Collaborating Centres. The MSCFP supports a diverse range of studies, with over 40% of fellows pursuing master’s degrees in nuclear sciences and applications, and around 35% in nuclear energy. Other fields include nuclear safety, nuclear security, safeguards and non-proliferation, and nuclear law.

Elvia Reyes Guevara's Path: Elvia Reyes Guevara from Guatemala pursued her degree in Nuclear Science and Applications in the United States with MSCFP support. “Thanks to the IAEA MSCFP, I was able to focus on my master’s degree without the financial burden. The scholarship helped cover living costs in a new country and university tuition. These experiences helped me obtain a placement in a medical physics residency programme after graduation.”

Application Information:

The MSCFP is supported by contributions from IAEA Member States and partners. Interested applicants can find more information about the programme, including facts and figures, testimonials, donors, and programme components, on the IAEA website. Early- and mid-career women professionals interested in career development opportunities can consider applying to the Lise Meitner Programme.

 

The MSCFP offers a significant opportunity for women aiming to advance in nuclear-related fields, providing financial support, networking opportunities, and career development pathways. Aspiring applicants are encouraged to apply by September 30, 2024, to be part of this transformative programme.