Applications for the 25th Anniversary Edition of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Program Open Until March 8

For a quarter of a century, this initiative has supported young female researchers who, at the very beginning of their careers, face challenges such as balancing scientific work with family life, lack of confidence in their abilities, or limited funding for research. This year, the organizers have increased the number of awards in the doctoral and postdoctoral categories to provide even greater support for women in science.

Scholarships will be awarded in three categories: master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral. Notably, in this special anniversary edition of the program, the number of awards has been increased to eight in response to the growing number of applications and the high quality of submitted projects.

Inspiring Research Work of Women

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program has been running in Poland since 2001. Its goal is to support women in science and encourage them to continue their research by providing financial assistance, promoting female scientists’ achievements in the media, and inspiring future generations of girls to pursue scientific careers.

The scientific successes of the program’s scholarship recipients serve as motivation for young women, encouraging them to choose a scientific path. Recipients share their achievements, demonstrating that scientific work is not only of great importance to society but also offers a fulfilling way of life, fostering growth and expanding horizons.

Over the past 25 years, the landscape of Polish science has changed significantly. We are pleased to see that more women are actively engaging in scientific research and are ready to pursue their research work and scientific careers. We receive an increasing number of applications for the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program, and the level of submitted projects—especially from doctoral and postdoctoral candidates—is truly impressive.

It is with great pleasure that I announce that in 2025, for the 25th anniversary edition of the program, L’Oréal Poland has decided to increase the number of awarded scholarships to eight. We will grant one master’s scholarship, three doctoral scholarships, and four postdoctoral scholarships. As in previous years, selecting the program’s laureates will be a significant challenge for all jury members. I am very pleased about the increase in scholarships, as it will allow us to recognize a greater number of candidates and provide all of them with the opportunity to promote their scientific achievements. I strongly encourage all eligible female scientists to submit their applications. – says Prof. Dr. Hab. Ewa Łojkowska, Chair of the Jury of the Polish edition of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Program.

During the 25 years of the program in Poland, 129 talented female researchers have been awarded. Many of them have achieved remarkable success both in Poland and internationally. The continued support of women in developing their scientific careers is especially important in an ever-evolving world, the program organizers emphasize.

Who Is the Program For?

The program is designed for young female scientists conducting research in the life sciences. Researchers may apply for a scholarship if, in the year the award is granted (2026), they have not yet reached:

• 26 years of age – for master’s candidates,
• 32 years of age – for doctoral candidates,
• 40 years of age – for postdoctoral candidates.

Candidates who have taken maternity leave during their research career can extend the age limit by two years per child.

The funds granted within the program may be used for any purpose, such as financing research, attending conferences, taking a break, or organizing family life.

How to Apply?

Applications for the program can be submitted until March 8, 2025, via the website:

https://www.forwomeninscience.com/challenge/show/122

Female scientists can submit their achievements in fields such as natural sciences, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, exact sciences, and engineering and technology, including medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, and biotechnology.

Competition Categories

As part of the program, scholarships will be awarded in three categories:

• 1 master’s scholarship worth 25,000 PLN,
• 3 doctoral scholarships worth 35,000 PLN,
• 4 postdoctoral scholarships worth 40,000 PLN.

Additionally, each scholarship recipient will receive funding for participation in two international scientific conferences (within Europe) worth up to 15,000 PLN from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

The names of the 25th edition’s scholarship recipients will be announced during a ceremonial gala in November 2025.

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ABOUT THE GLOBAL L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science PROGRAM

Since 1998, the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO have been working together to promote women in science by creating programs that place female researchers in the spotlight and support their achievements.

Over the 26 years of the global L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Program, more than 4,400 talented women worldwide have received scholarships through 53 local programs across over 140 countries. More than 250 scholarships are awarded each year, with over 50 scientific institutions and 500 collaborating scientists participating globally.

Beyond the local scholarship programs, each year, five women receive the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award for outstanding scientific achievements. Over the past 26 years, 137 women have been honored, and seven recipients of the global L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.

The long-standing efforts of L’Oréal and its partners help strengthen gender equality in science, highlight the research work of outstanding female scientists, support women in developing leadership skills in scientific fields, and inspire future generations of researchers.