CEDAR email: NATO opportunity

Thu Feb 19 08:46:40 MST 2026

On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO) today launched the annual Women and Girls in Science (WGS) Challenge, inviting young women and girls from across NATO countries to imagine the future and help shape global security.

This year's challenge introduces a new and innovative foresight approach that asks participants to explore fictional scenarios of disruption that test the resilience of the modern world. Although the scenarios are imagined, they are rooted in real-world dependencies and emerging risks, encouraging participants to think creatively, analytically, and strategically about the future of security and defence research.

The five scenarios are:

A Day Without Space, exploring the consequences of losing access to space-based capabilities such as communication and observation;
A Day Without Power, examining widespread energy disruption and its cascading effects;
A Day Without the Internet, imagining the impact of a prolonged loss of global connectivity and digital services;
A Day Without Antibiotics, confronting a scenario where antibiotic supply is halted and countries find themselves unable to treat common bacterial infections; and
A Day Without Boots on the Ground, considering security challenges in an extreme environment where physical military presence is no longer possible.
Participants are encouraged to analyse one of these scenarios and, in a short proposal (max 1,300 words), propose innovative research ideas that could help anticipate, mitigate, or adapt to such disruptions.

The WGS Challenge is open to women aged 18-35 who are nationals of NATO member countries, and are enrolled in, or have completed, university-level studies in STEM fields (including social sciences). This may include university students (bachelor's, master's, PhD), early-career researchers, or individuals interested in starting a career in STEM and/or defence. Applications shall be submitted individually.

NATO STO experts will select up to 12 applications based on criteria including novelty, relevance, coherence, feasibility and potential positive impact on society. The finalists will be invited to present their ideas at NATO Headquarters on 09 June 2026. A panel of experts will then select three overall winners.

All 12 finalists will be formally recognised by the NATO Chief Scientist for their contributions to the challenge, and will be invited to join STEM Forward, the STO's community of alumni and STEM professionals. The three winners will also benefit from a range of professional opportunities, including visits and interactions with STO staff, exposure to NATO's scientific community, and further engagements.

The NATO STO encourages eligible candidates to apply no later than 11 March 2026 23:59 CEST. Educators, institutions and professionals are likewise encouraged to share this opportunity to help reach talented young women across diverse networks.

For further enquiries, please contact info at natostowgs.com<mailto:info at natostowgs.com>.

Cheers,
Julie

Julie Moses, PhD
Program Officer, Space Physics
Air Force Office of Scientific Research
875 N Randolph St Suite 3000
Arlington, VA 22203
(703)696-9586 (office)

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