RisingWISE is an established Oxbridge network inspired by EnterpriseWISE: designed by women, for women and delivered entirely by women.
Here, we foster long-term relationships between enterprising early-career researchers and women working in industry to encourage more women to build careers across the science and technology sector.
Applications are now open for RisingWISE 2025/2026, an award-winning programme designed to support early career women* in STEM. Created by women, for women, this unique initiative helps participants build leadership skills, expand their networks, and explore career opportunities beyond academia.
*We also welcome nonbinary people who are comfortable in a space that uses women-focused language to discuss women-focused experiences.
Who Should Apply?
- Early career women in STEM from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
- Non-binary people comfortable in a space discussing women-focused experiences
- PhD students nearing the end of their studies
Programme Dates:
- Runs from 6 December 2025 – 21 March 2026
- Blended format: online and one residential 20-21 March 2026
Why Join?
RisingWISE offers tools for personal and professional development, including networking, communication, and leadership. With overwhelmingly positive feedback, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Apply by 30 September 2025.
Watch: Iris (Cambridge) answers the question: Would you have explored training opportunities at your institute or looked into various career options, if you hadn't participated in RisingWISE?
Read the RisingWISE 2024 Impact Report (PDF)
Who is eligible for RisingWISE?
You can apply for RisingWISE as a University of Oxford or University of Cambridge graduate working as an early career researcher in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in academia or industry. We also welcome a small number of DPhil students who are nearing the end of their studies and are thinking about next steps.
RisingWISE is tailored specifically by women, for women, though we also welcome nonbinary participants who are willing to join a women-orientated professional space.
Please find the privacy notice associated with RisingWISE applications here.
We have fully funded places for researchers from the Schools of Physical Sciences, Technology, Clinical Medicine and Biological Sciences. This covers all costs associated with the programme including any travel and accommodation for the residential components.
We are aware that weekend participation can create challenges for those with caring responsibilities. As such (and although the programme is run on a limited budget), we welcome input and feedback regarding how we can support families and help facilitate your attendance on the programme. Please contact Louisa at mpls.enterprise@mpls.ox.ac.uk to explore potential arrangements.