The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has awarded fellowships to a first group of 100 female students from around the world under a new initiative to help close the gender gap in nuclear science and technology.
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, named after the pioneering physicist, was launched by Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in March to support women pursuing nuclear-related careers.
The fellowship offers up to €10 000 per year to each student to cover tuition for a Master’s degree programme plus up to a further €10 000 annually for living costs for a maximum study period of two years. Fellows will also have an opportunity to undertake an internship, facilitated by the IAEA, in activities related to their field of study. The next MSCFP application cycle is anticipated to be announced in the first quarter of 2021.
Out of over 550 applicants from more than 90 countries, the first 100 fellows represent a wide geographic balance, coming from 71 different countries. Their studies focus on a wide range of nuclear-related subjects, from nuclear engineering to nuclear medicine, and from nuclear security to non-proliferation and nuclear law.
The fellowship programme has so far drawn extra-budgetary funding pledges of over €5 million, indicating strong support from IAEA Member States. Canada, Finland, the European Union, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Poland and the United States have all pledged money to the initiative. China, France, Pakistan and Russia have pledged in-kind contributions, for example by sponsoring students to attend universities in their respective countries. Companies, such as URENCO, and some non-governmental entities have also sponsored or are showing interest to support the MSCFP.