науковиці

Women Led Science

This is an initiative that provides funding and public visibility for Ukrainian women scientists and research teams working on STEM research in Ukraine.

Apply

Deadline: May 5

samples of documents for the application
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About the initiative

Women Led Science — is a joint initiative by the NGO INSCIENCE, the technological philanthropy Tokarev Foundation, and the educational project STEM is FEM, created to provide systemic support for Ukrainian women scientists. We combine research funding, educational modules, and public communication to help women in science implement their projects and strengthen the visibility of women scientists in Ukraine and internationally.

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The goal of the initiative

is to support Ukrainian women scientists conducting research in Ukraine, reduce financial barriers to research, and create sustainable conditions for the advancement of women in science in Ukraine.

Who can participate
in the program

Women-led research teams may apply if they:

are led by a woman with at least 5 years of experience in research;

include early-career researchers (1–5 years in science);

consist of 2–5 team members;

include at least 50% women in the team;

conduct their research in Ukraine..

To ensure a transparent and unbiased selection process, the following are not eligible to apply for the grant:

individuals who are not citizens of Ukraine;

research teams that include members of the selection committee or their relatives;

research teams that include employees of the organizing institutions — INSCIENCE, Tokarev Foundation, STEM is FEM, and UN Women in Ukraine — or their relatives.

In the event of a potential conflict of interest, the organizers reserve the right to make a final decision regarding the eligibility of an application.

Research areas eligible for the program:

Natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology);

Engineering and technology;

Medicine and health sciences;

Agricultural sciences and biotechnology;

Artificial intelligence and computer science;

Ecology and climate science.

Selection Criteria

No.
Criterion
Points
1
Research quality and novelty
35
2
Potential impact (on society and science)
30
3
Academic achievements (publications, conference participation, patents, etc.)
20
4
Quality of the application and research description
15

What selected teams will receive:

Research funding up to $10,000;*

An educational module
covering fundraising, intellectual property,
publishing in international journals,
and public communication;

Visibility and communication support;

The opportunity to present their-
project at the largest science-
communication event in Ukraine –
INSCIENCE Conference.

*Gross amount of the grant awarded;
Eligible applicants: sole proprietors (FOP), LLCs, NGOs, and research institutions.

To apply for the program, form a women-led research team,
prepare a research description, work plan, and budget, and submit,
your application through the online form.

The program is open to projects at different stages of research:
from early/pilot stages to more advanced stages.

samples of documents for the application
Apply

Deadline: May 5

Expert Committee

The program’s Expert Committee is composed of representatives from the academic community, research institutions, the R&D sector, as well as the teams of INSCIENCE and Tokarev Foundation.

The jury conducts an independent expert evaluation of the submitted applications, forms a ranking of proposals, and selects the research teams that will participate in the program.

The composition of the Expert Committee will be published on the website after May 5.

Program Implementation Timeline

April

launch of the call
for applications

April–
May

formation of the
Expert Committee;
completion of the
participant selection
process

June

presentation of selected
teams’ projects at
INSCIENCE Conference

June–
November

project implementation
and educational module
for the selected teams

December

collection of
project results
and final presentation event

December–
January

public
communication of
research results

Budget

Project funding for each team:

up to $10,000*

*Gross amount of the grant awarded

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What the funding
covers:

Equipment and materials;

Reagents and consumables;

Access to paid platforms, applications, and databases;

Travel and research trips;

Team compensation;

інші обґрунтовані дослідницькі витрати.

Apply

Deadline: May 5

FAQ

Do participants need to be in Ukraine for the entire program?

It is important that the research/project is conducted in Ukraine and that the team carries out their scientific work locally. However, team members may participate in international trips, internships, and similar activities.

How many teams will be selected?

Between 1 and 3 teams. The exact number will be determined during the selection process.

Are interdisciplinary projects allowed?

Yes, interdisciplinary research is welcome.

Is remote participation allowed?

Most participation formats are conducted online. Research can be carried out in any region of Ukraine; however, full or partial in-person participation of the team at the final presentation event in Kyiv is required.

Contacts

For any questions regarding the grant program, please contact the Project Lead, Yana Konyk:
E-mail: yana_konyk@inscience.io