UNESCO invites museums, universities, research institutions and scientific organisations worldwide to contribute to its Women in Science virtual exhibition. Submissions close November 21, 2026.
Background & Opportunity Description
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced a call for contributions to its Virtual Science Museum exhibition, “Women in Science: A Story in Motion.” The initiative invites eligible institutions worldwide to submit stories highlighting women’s scientific achievements and experiences.
Launched in December 2025, the exhibition aims to broaden the geographical, historical and disciplinary representation of women in science. Selected contributions will feature on a free, multilingual online platform, helping international audiences discover scientific research, inspiring stories and educational resources.
UNESCO is seeking well-documented contributions that combine scientific accuracy with engaging human stories about women researchers and their work.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UNESCO |
| Opportunity | Women in Science: A Story in Motion |
| Programme | Virtual Science Museum exhibition |
| Eligible applicants | Institutions and organisations with relevant scientific or educational mandates |
| Geographic eligibility | Worldwide |
| Submission languages | English or French |
| Submission deadline | November 21, 2026 |
| Participation fee | Free |
| Financial compensation | Contributions are not remunerated |
| Submission method | |
| Contact | virtualsciencemuseum@unesco.org |
What Are the Objectives?
UNESCO aims to showcase women’s scientific contributions through stories that are accurate, accessible and relevant to audiences around the world.
Submissions should explain the importance of a scientist’s research and connect it to real-world experiences, technologies, environmental issues or societal challenges.
The exhibition also seeks to present the human side of scientific work by documenting moments such as experiments, discoveries, field visits, challenges and encounters that offer insight into a scientist’s working life.
Selected contributions will help expand the representation of women scientists across different regions, disciplines and historical periods.
Who Can Contribute?
UNESCO welcomes contributions from the following types of institutions:
- Museums and science centres.
- Research institutions, laboratories and universities.
- UNESCO Category 2 Centres and associated scientific bodies.
- Academies, learned societies and scientific networks.
- Foundations and organisations with a scientific or science communication mandate.
Institutions may submit multiple contributions. Individuals must participate through a contributing institution rather than submit independently.
Submission Requirements
1. Research and Its Significance
The submission must explain the scientist’s work, the main research question, what the research has made possible and why it matters beyond the laboratory.
Applicants should include concrete examples showing how the research relates to familiar issues, technologies, environments or experiences relevant to global or regional audiences.
2. A Day in Her Working Life
This section should provide a documented account of a specific day or moment in the scientist’s professional life.
Examples may include an experiment, discovery, field visit, obstacle or important encounter. UNESCO encourages detailed descriptions of the setting, instruments, people, exchanges and activities instead of a general summary of the scientist’s career.
The first two sections combined must contain 300–400 words.
3. Biography and Further Information
Each submission must also include a concise, factual biography explaining the scientist’s background and the main stages of her scientific career.
Texts must be written in English or French and supported by reliable, traceable sources, such as institutional archives, research publications, collections or exhibitions. An original version in another language may accompany the submission.
4. Images and Supporting Materials
Each contribution must include between two and ten high-resolution images at a minimum of 300 dpi, relating to the scientist and her work. At least one image must be a portrait.
Optional materials that are strongly encouraged include videos, audio recordings, archival documents and educational resources. For scientists who are currently active, a short quotation encouraging the next generation of women in science is also welcome.
Additional Information
Copyright and Selection Process
Contributing institutions must hold or obtain the necessary copyright permissions and consent for all submitted materials.
Institutions whose contributions are selected will be asked to sign UNESCO’s Grant of Rights, which authorises publication, editing, translation, adaptation and use in educational resources. UNESCO may revise submitted texts, with final versions shared with contributors for validation.
Selections will be made in consultation with the Virtual Science Museum’s Expert Advisory Committee. The evaluation considers scientific accuracy, accessibility, source traceability, story relevance, media quality and geographical, disciplinary and historical diversity.
Selected institutions will receive credit on their contributions and on the museum’s partner page.
Benefits of Participating
Although participation is unpaid, selected contributions will have the opportunity to reach an international audience through UNESCO’s free, multilingual platform.
The material may also support educational resources, helping communicate women’s scientific achievements to students, educators and the broader public.
How to Submit
Eligible institutions should prepare their written contribution and supporting media, ensure all sources are traceable and confirm that the necessary image rights and permissions are in place.
Submit the complete contribution and accompanying materials by email to:
virtualsciencemuseum@unesco.org
Deadline: November 21, 2026.
For full details, consult the official UNESCO announcement: https://www.unesco.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNESCO Women in Science exhibition?
It is an exhibition within UNESCO’s Virtual Science Museum that presents stories about women scientists and their research, with the aim of broadening geographical, historical and disciplinary representation.
2. Who is eligible to submit contributions?
Museums, science centres, universities, research institutions, laboratories, scientific networks and other eligible organisations with relevant scientific or science communication mandates may contribute.
3. Can individuals apply directly?
No. Individuals must participate through a contributing institution.
4. What is the submission deadline?
The deadline is November 21, 2026.
5. Is there a participation fee?
No. Participation is free, but submissions are not remunerated.
6. What languages are accepted?
Submissions must be in English or French. An original version in another language may also be included.
7. How long should the submission be?
The research significance section and the account of a day in the scientist’s working life must total 300–400 words. A concise biography is also required.
8. How many images are required?
Each submission must include two to ten high-resolution images, at least 300 dpi, including at least one portrait.
9. What happens to selected contributions?
Selected stories will be featured on UNESCO’s Virtual Science Museum platform. Institutions will be credited, and the material may also be used in educational resources under the agreed rights arrangements.
10. How are contributions evaluated?
UNESCO considers accuracy, accessibility, source traceability, relevance of the story, media quality and diversity across regions, disciplines and historical periods.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This UNESCO call may be particularly relevant to universities, museums, research organisations and scientific institutions seeking to highlight the achievements of women in science. It offers an opportunity to contribute to a global educational exhibition, although it does not provide financial grants or individual scholarships.
Eligible institutions should begin preparing documented stories, securing image permissions and assembling supporting materials ahead of the November 21, 2026 deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares educational and professional opportunities for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with UNESCO and do not administer this call. Applicants should consult UNESCO’s official announcement for authoritative submission requirements.
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