OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early-Career Women Scientists in the Developing World
Women scientists in low- and middle-income countries are advancing solutions to urgent global challenges, yet many face limited visibility and support at critical stages of their careers. Through a long-standing partnership with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), the Elsevier Foundation supports an annual awards program that recognizes outstanding early-career women scientists from across the Global South. Since 2013, the OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award has championed the achievements of 84 women scientists from over 38 countries across the global South.
In 2021, the awards were re-aligned with the UN SDGs, shifting focus from specific scientific disciplines to broader research areas, welcoming a range of interdisciplinary approaches. The prize also acknowledges the scientists’ commitment to leadership, mentoring, and engagement. To date, the 2022 awards focused on climate action, the 2023 awards on Food Security, 2024 on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, 2025 on Inclusive Health, and 2026 on Sustainable, affordable and reliable energy.
What do we do
The partnership recognizes five outstanding early-career women scientists each year from across low-and-middle-income countries. The award celebrates research excellence alongside meaningful impact within local institutions and communities. By pairing a financial prize with international visibility and networking opportunities, the program strengthens leadership pathways for women in science and advances research aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
How do we deliver
The awards are administered by OWSD through an open call and a rigorous peer-review process involving international experts and alumnae . Selection considers both scientific merit and broader contribution to research environments. Awardees receive a prize and are supported to participate in major conferences connected to the year’s thematic focus , helping expand collaborations, amplify impact, and build a sustained global network of women scientific leaders.
