Call for Applications: Vera Šnajder Award Grant (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Deadline: 01-Nov-2026

This annual award provides financial support to three outstanding female students and recent graduates in natural or technical sciences in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The award offers up to 9,000 KM in total to help recipients participate in international conferences or research visits, gain new knowledge and professional networks, and bring valuable expertise back to their communities and country. What Is the Award for Female Students in Natural and Technical Sciences? The award is designed to support early-career women in science, technology, engineering, and related natural or technical disciplines. It enables selected recipients to access international academic and research opportunities that may otherwise be financially difficult to afford. The programme supports activities such as: - Participation in international scientific conferences. - Research visits to international institutions. - Professional and academic networking. - Presentation of research findings. - Exposure to new scientific methods and perspectives. - Knowledge transfer to communities and institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The programme aims to strengthen the participation and leadership of women in science while encouraging recipients to use their international experience for the benefit of society. Why Does This Award Matter? International conferences and research visits can provide students and early-career researchers with access to experts, research networks, new methodologies, and scientific knowledge. Financial barriers can prevent promising female researchers from taking part in these opportunities. This award helps address that barrier by providing funding that can be used for eligible international academic and research-related expenses. The programme also places importance on the applicant’s potential to contribute to society through leadership, community engagement, research, and knowledge sharing. Who Is Eligible? Applicants must meet the programme’s gender, citizenship, academic, disciplinary, and research requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be female citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. - Be current undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral students in natural or technical sciences at a university in Bosnia and Herzegovina; or - Have graduated from a relevant programme within the previous 12 months. - Demonstrate leadership potential or leadership experience. - Show meaningful involvement in their community. - Be involved in research or another relevant scientific activity. - Have research that can be presented at an international conference or otherwise shared following the international experience. The award is intended for promising early-career women who can demonstrate both academic or research potential and a commitment to contributing to their community and society. What Fields of Study Are Covered? The award is intended for students and recent graduates working in natural or technical sciences. Applicants should ensure that their academic discipline falls within the programme’s eligible fields before applying. Relevant areas may include scientific and technical disciplines where applicants are conducting research that can benefit from international conference participation or a research visit. What Does the Award Fund? A total of up to 9,000 KM is available for three award recipients. The funding can support eligible costs associated with an international conference or research visit, including: - International travel expenses. - Conference participation costs. - Research visit expenses. - Visa costs. - Insurance expenses. - Health and safety-related expenses. Applicants are responsible for arranging their own visa and insurance where required. A detailed budget must be included with the application, showing how the requested funding will be used. How Does the Award Work? The programme follows a competitive selection process in which eligible female students and recent graduates submit applications demonstrating their academic, research, leadership, and community engagement achievements. Successful recipients receive financial support to undertake an international academic or research opportunity. The expected impact extends beyond the individual recipient. Awardees are expected to bring back knowledge, perspectives, skills, and connections that can contribute to their university, professional field, community, or wider society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their application carefully and ensure that all eligibility and supporting requirements are addressed.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that you:

- Are a female citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina. - Are currently studying natural or technical sciences at a university in Bosnia and Herzegovina, or graduated within the last 12 months. - Meet the programme’s research requirements. - Can demonstrate leadership and community engagement.

Step 2: Identify Your International Opportunity

Determine whether you plan to participate in: - An international scientific conference; or - An international research visit. The proposed opportunity should clearly support your academic or research development.

Step 3: Prepare Your Research and Impact Information

Explain your research and why it is suitable for presentation at a conference or for sharing after your return.

Clearly describe:

- Your research topic. - Your academic or scientific contribution. - Why the international opportunity is important. - What new knowledge or skills you expect to gain. - How you will share the experience after returning to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Step 4: Demonstrate Leadership and Community Engagement

Provide evidence of your involvement beyond academic study. This may include leadership activities, community projects, scientific initiatives, volunteering, mentoring, or other activities demonstrating your commitment to society.

Step 5: Prepare a Detailed Budget

Provide a realistic budget for the proposed internatio