The latest application cycle of the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme is now open. Women interested in studying nuclear-related subjects at the master's degree level are encouraged to apply by 31 October 2025.
Launched in 2020 by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) has since received over 3000 applications from women passionate about pursuing careers in the nuclear field. The programme is named after the pioneering physicist and two-time Nobel laureate Marie Sklodowska-Curie, and offers support to women from all IAEA member countries, addressing the growing need for a more inclusive nuclear workforce.
To date, the MSCFP has supported 760 women from 129 countries studying a diverse range of nuclear topics in 76 countries around the world.
"The MSCFP was a turning point in my career. I gained international work experience and expanded my expertise in radiopharmacy and radiotherapy," said Gabryele Moreira, an MSCFP fellow from Brazil. "Through my MSCFP internship at the Camargo Cancer Center, I supported the development of new applicators for brachytherapy, resulting in a direct impact on reducing health disparities in Brazil."
Gabryele Moreira is an MSCFP fellow researching intracavitary brachytherapy for the treatment of cervical cancer at the Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. (Photo: G. Moreira)
Like Moreira, other interns have also found future career paths. Most are pursuing master's degrees in either nuclear science and its applications (which includes healthcare) or nuclear energy, with others focusing on nuclear safety, nuclear security, safeguards and non-proliferation and nuclear law.
Financial Support and Internship Placement
The programme empowers women to pursue degrees of their choosing by easing the financial burden of their studies, and provides the opportunity to pursue internships at the IAEA or with partner organizations like the IAEA Collaborating Centres. The fellows also benefit from networking opportunities at IAEA schools, technical events and through a private alumnae LinkedIn group.
"The MSCFP was a catalyst for my career in nuclear. Now, I am a junior nuclear project engineer supporting long-term operation programmes with a focus on electrical, instrumentation and control systems, ensuring safety compliance and technical qualification of aging equipment in line with evolving nuclear standards," said Oceane Van Geluwe, an MSCFP recipient from Belgium. "The MSCFP not only provided crucial financial support but also global visibility and access to a vibrant community of women in nuclear."
MSCFP Figures Today
(Image: IAEA)
Upon completing the academic and internship components, some alumnae choose to pursue further academic research through PhD studies, while others transition directly into their professional careers, applying their knowledge and skills in different areas of the nuclear field.
"The MSCFP has broadened my global perspective, enhanced my technical and leadership skills and positioned me for continued growth in the nuclear sector," said Itfa Khurshid, an MSCFP fellow from Pakistan currently interning at IAEA. "The programme has been instrumental in supporting my master's degree and provided invaluable exposure through my current role in the IAEA's Division of Nuclear Security, where I support communications and outreach activities."
Itfa Khurshid, an MSCFP intern at the IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, works alongside colleagues at the Incident and Emergency Centre at IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, Austria. (Photo: IAEA)
The MSCFP is only open to applicants who wish to pursue master's studies in nuclear related disciplines. Eligible early- and mid-career women professionals interested in career development opportunities can instead consider applying to the Lise Meitner Programme.
