The organisers of the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women and Science programme have been recognising the achievements of Polish female researchers for more than 23 years. This unique scholarship competition aims to promote women in science and support their research.

The project is addressed to female scientists conducting groundbreaking research in the life sciences. Female researchers at any stage of their scientific career who will not have reached the following age in the year of payment of the award (2025) may apply for the scholarship: 26 years of age for female MSc students, 32 years of age for female PhD students, and 40 years of age for female postdoctoral researchers. Candidates who have been on maternity leave during their research work are entitled to extend the designated age limit by an additional two years for each child.

‘I strongly encourage female researchers working scientifically in the broader life sciences to apply for the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women and Science Programme scholarship, which is part of an international programme launched a quarter of a century ago by the L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO. It is a programme that promotes women researchers and has great merit not only for Polish female scientists but also for Polish science, as it shows that women, who make up about 50% of our society, can achieve great success in science and get a lot of satisfaction from it, just like men. The Programme's laureates are widely promoted in the national media and point the way for young female researchers to develop their scientific careers. The L'Oréal-UNESCO Programme for Women and Science supports women researchers in thinking that they are excellent and can compete for more,’ says Chairwoman of the jury of the Polish edition of the L'Oréal-UNESCO Programme for Women and Science, prof. dr hab. Ewa Łojkowska.

Unlike other grant projects, the funds received under the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women and Science programme can be used by the scholarship holders for any purpose. Scientists can subsidise their research projects or take care of their holidays, and researchers who are mothers can, for example, finance childcare costs.

Applications to the programme can be made via: www.forwomeninscience.com.

Researchers can submit their scientific achievements in life sciences, medical and health sciences, agricultural sciences, or engineering and technology, among others: medicine, biology, physics, chemistry, and biotechnology. In assessing the applications, the Jury will take into account, in particular, previous scientific achievements, research grants obtained, publication of research results in renowned international journals, the possibility of practical application of research results, and a description of scientific plans.

The jury, composed of eminent representatives of Polish science and chaired by prof. Ewa Łojkowska, will distinguish 6 scholarship holders from among the best candidates, awarding:

• 3 habilitation scholarships in the amount of PLN 40 000
• 2 doctoral scholarships in the amount of PLN 35 000
• 1 master scholarship in the amount of PLN 25 000.

Additionally, each of the scholarship holders will receive an award from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in the form of reimbursement of participation in a foreign scientific conference (within Europe), up to the amount of PLN 15 000.

The deadline for applications is May 5, this year.

The official announcement of the names of the scholarship holders of the 24th edition of the programme will take place during a gala ceremony scheduled for November this year.

The programme is organised by L'Oréal Poland (within the L'Oréal Foundation) and the Polish Committee for UNESCO, with Partners: Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Polish Academy of Sciences and UN Global Compact Network Poland.