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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">The five scenarios are:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">A Day Without Space, exploring the consequences of losing access to space-based capabilities such as communication and observation;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">A Day Without Power, examining widespread energy disruption and its cascading effects;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">A Day Without the Internet, imagining the impact of a prolonged loss of global connectivity and digital services;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">A Day Without Antibiotics, confronting a scenario where antibiotic supply is halted and countries find themselves unable to treat common bacterial infections; and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">A Day Without Boots on the Ground, considering security challenges in an extreme environment where physical military presence is no longer possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">For further enquiries, please contact
<a href="mailto:info@natostowgs.com">info@natostowgs.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Cheers,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Julie<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Julie Moses, PhD<span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Program Officer, Space Physics<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Air Force Office of Scientific Research<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">875 N Randolph St Suite 3000<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Arlington, VA 22203<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(703)696-9586 (office)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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