WINGS funds, elevates and builds community around visionary women leaders pushing the boundaries of science, exploration and conservation.
We envision a world in which women are fully recognized and funded for leading transformational change.
WINGS 20th Anniversary Women of Discovery Awards Gala Credit Marcy Swingle - Photography
WHY WINGS?
Founded in 2003, WINGS is the only organization of its kind awarding unrestricted funding to high-achieving women scientists and explorers making important discoveries in traditionally male-dominated fields.
We shine a light on their research, impact and leadership; ignite collaboration through our global network, and support them as role models for future generations. Watch our Mission Video and learn why WINGS in 3 minutes.
OUR CHALLENGE
Every day women in science and exploration are expanding our knowledge of the world with new discoveries and insights. Yet they encounter gender bias at every turn. Even as the world faces new, unprecedented challenges, with a growing need for creative problem-solving and collaborations, their work is under-funded and cited less than men’s work of equal merit.
WINGS aims to address this disparity by cultivating talented women scientists and explorers and building support for their discoveries, cross-disciplinary work and transformational leadership styles. Support from WINGS includes unrestricted funding, expanded recognition and visibility, and a vital network of mentors and role models for the next generation of pathfinders.
The work that WINGS does breaks new ground: Only 1.8 percent of all U.S. charitable giving goes to organizations that serve women and girls, remaining relatively unchanged since from 2012. Other well-documented gaps persist, including that women represent only 33.3% of all researchers and 12% of national science academies worldwide; women are credited significantly less in science than men, with consequences for retention and promotion; and women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues.
TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE THAT. Despite dismal trends and data, the opportunities for making a difference are huge. Together we can create access to funding, visibility and advancement for women in science and exploration to drive change and write history with their groundbreaking work and ideas.
HOW WE WORK
In the belief that their full inclusion promotes greater excellence and innovation across STEM professions, we utilize a three-pronged approach to help break down barriers:
WINGS ADVANCES WOMEN EXPLORERS IN THE FIELD
WINGS WorldQuest is the only organization that awards unrestricted grants to exceptional women leading quests to advance knowledge and find solutions to global problems through bold research and exploration projects. Grants and honoraria are awarded to Women of Discovery Awardees, Flag Carriers and speakers.
Since 2003, WINGS has awarded grants to 200+ women across 100+ countries and published the findings of more than 50 women-led Flag Carrier field expeditions.
WINGS CONNECTS WOMEN EXPLORERS WORLDWIDE
WINGS WorldQuest serves a growing global community of women Fellows and Flag Carriers by providing a platform through which they can network, share ideas and achievements, and garner support for their work.
WINGS INSPIRES THE NEXT GENERATION
The WINGS WorldQuest Associate Board is a group of young professional women that are passionate about supporting women in science and exploration. The AB supports WINGS’s efforts financially, including a dedicated fund to sponsor a WINGS Fellow grant per year, via fundraising events and campaigns.
WINGS sponsors outreach programs, such as seminars, workshops, and webinars, where WINGS Fellows and Flag Carriers share behind-the-scenes aspects of expeditions and stories about career paths, inspiring the next generation of intrepid problem solvers.
DONATE
Thank you!
Your support makes it all possible.
Your donation supports women scientists and explorers working to protect and preserve human wellbeing and our planet by exploring oceans, lands, and outer space; conserving endangered wildlife; researching and finding solutions to climate change; and sharing their findings through WINGS programs and platforms.
