Join a challenge geared towards impact in security and grow as a professional!<\/p>\n
The\u00a0NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO)<\/strong>\u00a0is proud to announce\u00a0the third edition of the Women & Girls in Science (WGS) Challenge. This annual initiative aims to inspire young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by providing a platform for them to share innovative research ideas that impact global security and defence.\u00a0<\/p>\n \nAbout the challenge:<\/strong> \nHow to apply?<\/strong> What happens after applying?<\/strong> Awards:<\/strong> Introducing the five scenarios<\/strong>
\nThe WGS26 Challenge calls for applications from young women who are university students\u00a0(bachelor, master, PhD), early career researchers, or simply interested in starting a career in STEM\u00a0and\/or defence. Proposals should address one of five prescribed foresight scenarios, where a\u00a0critical aspect of modern world\u2019s resilience is being tested.<\/p>\n
\nApplicants must be young women aged 18-35 years, affiliated with a university and nationals of\u00a0NATO countries.
\nApplications must be submitted through the STO website (https:\/\/www.sto.nato.int\/<\/a>) guided by the following question: \u201cHow would your research idea provide a solution for one of the five fictional\u00a0foresight scenarios?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nNATO STO experts will evaluate the proposals and select 12 finalists to present their proposals at\u00a0the Grand Finale, on 9 June 2026 at NATO HQ.
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nIn addition to receiving formal recognition from the NATO Chief Scientist, the winners will gain\u00a0access to an exceptional range of opportunities \u2014 including visits to the Centre for Maritime\u00a0Research and Experimentation and entry into a community of world\u2011class experts across the STO,\u00a0NATO, and beyond.
\nAll information can be found on the STO website (https:\/\/www.sto.nato.int<\/a>) and any queries can be\u00a0sent to info@natostowgs.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nThe five foresight scenarios explore fictional \u201cA Day Without\u2026\u201d disruptions that challenge key pillars of modern resilience. Each scenario imagines a sudden shock\u2014removing access to space, power, antibiotics, connectivity, or human presence on the ground\u2014to expose hidden dependencies and vulnerabilities. By outlining the situation, its impacts, and the core problem, these narratives support thinking on future risks and inspire research to strengthen NATO\u2019s preparedness.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n
\n\tA chain reaction in orbit disables most low-Earth-Orbit satellites, heavily disrupting\u00a0communications and space-based monitoring. Global operations\u2014from defence to\u00a0transport and emergency services\u2014are disrupted. The challenge: develop systems that\u00a0can function during space disruptions.<\/li>\n
\n\tA cascading grid failure causes a 24-hour blackout during extreme winter conditions.\u00a0Heating, healthcare, communications, and transport are severely affected, creating\u00a0military information gaps. The challenge: design decentralised, resilient energy and\u00a0alternative power solutions.<\/li>\n
\n\tGeopolitical tensions halt supplies of key antibiotic ingredients, leaving several NATO\u00a0Nations unable to treat common infections. Health risks rise, food production is\u00a0threatened, and public fear spreads. The challenge: accelerate antibiotic alternatives\u00a0and strengthen biomedical supply chains.<\/li>\n
\n\tSubsea cable damage cuts major data routes, forcing traffic onto limited satellite systems\u00a0Digital services\u2014from banking to military operations\u2014stall. The challenge: improve\u00a0subsea infrastructure resilience and maintain essential functions during connectivity loss.<\/li>\n
\n\tExposure of a nuclear waste site makes human ground operations impossible due to\u00a0radiation. All missions rely on autonomous systems. The challenge: develop robust\u00a0robotic platforms able to operate safely in extreme environments with remote human\u00a0oversight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"featured_media":18419,"template":"","tags":[],"class_list":["post-19328","event","type-event","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsite.finki.ukim.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event\/19328","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsite.finki.ukim.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsite.finki.ukim.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/event"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsite.finki.ukim.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsite.finki.ukim.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19328"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsite.finki.ukim.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19328"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}