The UK National Commission for UNESCO

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Programme has been promoting women in scientific research on a global scale since 1998. The unique partnership is built around the L’Oréal-UNESCO Awards, the UNESCO-L’Oréal International Fellowships, and L’Oréal National Fellowships with the support of the UNESCO National Commissions. (more)

LAUREATES

Launched in 1998, the For Women in Science Award was the first international award devoted to women in science. These prestigious annual distinctions are awarded to five exceptional female researchers, one per continent, in recognition of their groundbreaking achievements and potential contributions to scientific progress. Laureates in life sciences and physical sciences are recognised in alternating years. (more)

INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS

The UNESCO-L'Oréal Co-Sponsored Fellowships for Young Women in Life Sciences international fellowship programme was started in 2000. Each year, 15 young female researchers at doctoral or postdoctoral levels are honoured. The Fellowships are worth up to US$40,000 each and are awarded for a period of up to two years for scientists to undertake projects outside of their home countries.

Call for applications for the 2009 cycle is now open. UK closing date: 31 May 2008 (more)

UK and Ireland National Fellowships

Tailoring to the needs of women scientists in the UK and Ireland, the L’Oréal UK and Ireland Fellowships For Women In Science are awards offered by L’Oréal UK & Ireland with the support of the UK National Commission for UNESCO, the Irish National Commission for UNESCO, the Royal Institution of Great Britain, and the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET to promote, enhance and encourage the contribution of women pursuing their research/academic careers in the UK or Ireland in the fields of the life or physical sciences.

Four Fellowships are awarded annually to outstanding women scientists in the early stages of their career pursuing postdoctoral research in the UK or Ireland in the life or physical sciences. The Fellowships, each worth £15,000 (equivalent € for candidates in Ireland), are tenable at any UK or Irish university / research institute for 12 months of research.

The call for applications for the 2008 fellowship cycle is now closed. (more)

"Over the years, women scientists’ contribution to research has led to a number of significant breakthroughs that have benefited the UK economy. However, women scientists remain critically underrepresented in the UK and we need to remove the barriers that prevent them from pursuing and maintaining a career in their chosen field." Baroness Susan Greenfield CBE at the 2007 UK launch of the National Fellowships For Women in Science

"UNESCO’s longstanding commitment to science and gender equality goes right back to its creation in 1945...UNESCO’s dedication to promoting equality between men and women is enshrined in the Organization’s Constitution." Professor Alec Boksenberg CBE FRS, Chair of the UK National Commission for UNESCO at the 2007 UK launch of the National Fellowships For Women in Science