WINGS Caribbean Fellowship for Women Researchers and Innovators

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The WINGS Caribbean Fellowships support outstanding mid-career and advanced women researchers and innovators working to address development challenges across the Caribbean. Selected fellows receive USD 10,000 to implement a project or initiative for up to 12 months, along with technical and scientific support and opportunities for regional recognition through UNESCO channels.

About the WINGS Caribbean Fellowships

The WINGS Caribbean initiative has launched fellowships to strengthen the contribution of women researchers and innovators to sustainable development in the Caribbean. The fellowship recognizes experienced women working on research, innovation, social development, and practical solutions to national and regional challenges. Selected fellows will have the opportunity to implement an original project while receiving support from partner institutions and gaining greater visibility through regional UNESCO channels. Fellowship Streams The programme offers two fellowship streams: - STEM Fellowship - Social Impact Fellowship Applicants should select the stream that best matches their professional expertise and proposed project. STEM Fellowship The STEM Fellowship supports women researchers and innovators advancing scientific knowledge, technical innovation, and evidence-based solutions.

Relevant areas include:

- Climate and environmental resilience. - Disaster risk reduction. - Digital innovation. - Applied scientific research. - Technical and technology-based solutions to development challenges. The fellowship is intended for projects that can translate scientific knowledge or innovation into measurable benefits for society. Social Impact Fellowship The Social Impact Fellowship supports women working on social and community-focused development challenges.

Relevant areas include:

- Social sciences. - Social entrepreneurship. - Governance. - Public policy. - Social development. - Community-based research. Projects should demonstrate how research, entrepreneurship, policy, or community engagement can contribute to meaningful societal outcomes. Funding Available Each selected fellow will receive a grant of USD 10,000. The funding is intended to support implementation of an approved project or initiative over a period of up to 12 months. The proposed budget must not exceed USD 10,000 and should clearly show how the funding will be used to achieve the project’s objectives and expected results. Technical and Scientific Support In addition to financial support, fellows will receive technical and scientific support from partner institutions. This support can help fellows strengthen project implementation and benefit from relevant expertise during the fellowship period. Selected fellows may also receive opportunities for regional recognition through UNESCO channels, providing additional visibility for their work and achievements. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is designed for experienced women researchers and innovators working on development challenges in the Caribbean.

Applicants must:

- Identify as women. - Be nationals of UNESCO Member States or Associate Members in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. - Be affiliated with a recognized academic institution, research centre, public body, or accredited innovation or social enterprise organization. - Be at a mid-career or advanced career stage. - Have demonstrated relevant professional or research experience. Project Eligibility Proposed projects must meet several key requirements.

Projects should be:

- Original. - Nationally relevant. - Focused on a clearly identified development challenge. - Practical and achievable within 12 months. - Capable of producing measurable societal benefits. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their project will move beyond research or ideas to generate meaningful outcomes within the fellowship period. Expected Societal Benefit A central requirement of the fellowship is the ability to demonstrate measurable societal benefit. Applicants should explain who will benefit from the project and how the proposed activities can contribute to addressing a development challenge. The expected benefits should be realistic and achievable within the 12-month implementation period. Application Requirements Applicants must submit a completed online application form containing key information about their proposed project.

The application should include:

- Project summary. - Project objectives. - Methodology. - Workplan. - Expected results. - Anticipated societal benefit. - Itemized budget not exceeding USD 10,000. - Curriculum vitae. - Proof of nationality. - Letter of affiliation or support from the host institution, where applicable. Project Summary and Objectives The application should provide a concise summary of the proposed project and clearly identify its objectives.

Applicants should explain:

- What development challenge the project addresses. - Why the issue is important nationally. - What the project intends to achieve. - How the proposed approach will produce meaningful results. Methodology and Workplan Applicants must describe how the project will be implemented. The methodology should provide a clear approach to achieving the stated objectives, while the workplan should demonstrate that activities can realistically be completed within the 12-month fellowship period. Budget Requirements Applicants must provide an itemized project budget. The total requested amount must not exceed USD 10,000. The budget should clearly connect proposed expenditures with project activities and expected results. Curriculum Vitae and Supporting Documents Applicants must provide a curriculum vitae demonstrating their relevant professional, research, innovation, or social-impact experience. Applicants must also provide proof of nationality and, where applicable, a letter confirming affiliation or support from their host institution. What Makes a Strong Application? A competitive application should clearly conne