The latest application cycle of the IAEA's flagship programme to bring more women into the nuclear field is now open.
Interested women studying nuclear-related subjects at the master's degree level are encouraged to apply to the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) by 30 September 2024.
The MSCFP, which is named after the pioneering physicist Marie Sklodowska-Curie, was launched by Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in March 2020 to support women pursuing nuclear-related careers. The MSCFP offers support to women from all IAEA Member States, addressing the need for more gender parity in the nuclear field.
Since its launch, 560 women have been awarded the fellowship from over 120 countries. Awardees are studying a wide range of nuclear topics in more than 70 countries around the world.
Last March, more than 400 MSCFP fellows and Lise Meitner Programme (LMP) participants gathered at IAEA headquarters in Vienna for an IAEA event, entitled For More Women in Nuclear. The event commemorated International Women's Day and served as a platform for MSCFP fellows and LMP participants to exchange ideas and strengthen their network and leadership skills.
By reducing the financial burden of completing academic studies, the programme helps young women pursue their chosen disciplines without hesitation. The fellows also benefit from networking opportunities at technical events and through the MSCFP Students and Alumnae LinkedIn group.
Alaa Almi'ani, an MSCFP recipient, educating students on the safe applications of nuclear energy during a public awareness campaign run by the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission in Amman. (Photo: A. Almi'ani)
"My journey has been profoundly inspiring, as it has significantly enhanced my knowledge of nuclear energy," said Alaa Almi'ani, an MSCFP recipient from Jordan. "The MSCFP has not only equipped me with the skills necessary to achieve my master's degree but has also instilled in me the confidence to educate the public about the safe and vital use of nuclear energy. Moreover, it has empowered me to serve as a female role model, encouraging other women to pursue careers in this field."
After completing their studies, the fellows have the opportunity to pursue an internship at the IAEA or a partner organization such as an IAEA Collaborating Centre.
"Through the MSCFP, I've delved deep into the realm of computer science and knowledge discovery," said Mercy Mwakitalima, an MSCFP fellow from Tanzania. "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."
MSCFP figures as of today
(Image: IAEA)
To date, over 40% of MSCFP students have pursued master's degrees in nuclear sciences and applications, while the second most popular subject, at around 35%, is nuclear energy, followed by nuclear safety, nuclear security, safeguards and non-proliferation, as well as nuclear law.
After completing the programme, some recipients have continued to PhD studies while others start their careers. Elvia Reyes Guevara, an MSCFP recipient from Guatemala, pursued her degree in Nuclear Science and Applications in the United States with the support of the MSCFP.
"Thanks to the IAEA MSCFP, I was able to focus on my master's degree without the financial burden. The scholarship helped cover the cost of living in a new country, and university tuition. I was able to shadow medical physicists and assist in different research projects related to the development of new technology for future patient care in radiation therapy. These experiences helped me obtain a placement in a medical physics residency programme after graduation."
The MSCFP is supported by contributions from IAEA Member States and partners
