Launch of The Open Doors Fellowship Program

The Open Doors Fellowship Program (ODFP) for women researchers in Africa is a holistic program that shall target women researching Africa to help them acquire the necessary hard and soft skills to strengthen their placements within their hosting institutions and, ultimately, avoid the dropout before their consolidation stage. Creating an awareness culture within their hosting institutions about recruiting women, supporting them along their tenure track, and adapting policies is also paramount to prevent women's drop out from STEM research and ensure the next generation of mentors and role models for the younger generation of scientists. 

Our program intends to address the needs of early and mid-career women scientists researching at (inter)national research centers and universities in agricultural-related fields in agro-biotechnology, plant breeding, molecular & genetics, microbiology, chemical ecology, plant & soil health. Fellows should be in the process of starting up or consolidating their research teams regardless of whether they hold a project-based research position. 

Through the ODFP, women will enhance their leadership and communication skills and expand their network of colleagues and mentors in Africa and Belgium. Therefore, the ODFP is a fellowship program where women will improve their competencies and benefit from the training opportunities to increase their chances of leading and participating in new projects, accessing better research resources, and increasing their publication success. 

More information: https://ipbo.vib-ugent.be/en/open-doors-fellowship-program