L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award

Eligibility

Scientific Excellence: Recognized by the international scientific community
Active Researcher: Currently involved in high-level scientific research.
Fields of Study: 

• Physics, 
• Mathematics, 
• Computer and Information Sciences, 
• Chemistry, 
• Earth & Related Environmental Sciences

No age limit applies to candidates

SELECTION CRITERIA
Scientific Advancement: Outstanding contribution to the progress of science.
Research Impact: Significant influence in her scientific field.
Peer Recognition: Proven track record of high-quality publications.
Global Commitment: Dedication to teaching, mentoring, and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Summary

Created in 1998, the International Awards L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science honours 5 eminent women scientists each year from 5 regions of the world. Alternating every other year, these exceptional researchers are rewarded for their important contributions to the progress of science, either in Life sciences or in the fields of Physical sciences, mathematics, and Computer science. An award of €100,000 is given to each of the five laureates selected by a jury of internationally renowned experts.
The 2027 edition of the International Awards will honour five outstanding scientific researchers in the field of Physics, Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences, Chemistry, Earth & Related Environmental Sciences, Working in the following regions:

• Africa and the Arab States
• Asia and the Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America and the Caribbean
• North America

One candidate will be selected from each of the five regions, eligibility being determined by the place where she has worked for at least 10 years, rather than by her nationality.
Each of the five Laureates will receive an Award of €100,000.

Application deadlines

Program application deadline

Scientists around the world are invited to nominate candidates for the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards. 

For a nomination to be eligible, it must be submitted by an eminent scientist (see below). Self-nominations, nominations by immediate family members, and nominations from a team are not eligible.

Qualified nominators must hold, at a minimum, a PhD in a science subject and may be:

• Heads of University or Scientific Institutions,
• Members of Academies of Science,
• Holders of Research Chairs,
• Full professors,
• Former Laureates of the For Women in Science International Awards.

Nominations can only be submitted electronically through the online dedicated platform and must be written in English

An application is considered complete only if it includes all the following documents:

- A brief explanation of why the nominator considers the candidate to be eligible for the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards (200-400 words).
- A suggested quotation for the general public if the candidate is selected. This should be a concise statement (maximum of 40 words) describing the key technical or professional accomplishments for which the candidate deserves the Award, its impact on society, as well as her standing as a role model for future generations. Note that the Jury will review and approve the official Laureates’ statements.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages). The nominator is requested to include in the CV (or in the publications list) any reference to the candidate’s scientific social networks and/or websites (such as ResearchGate, ORCID, personal website).
- A list of all the candidate’s publications.
- A list of the most significant patents starting with the most recent one. 
- A list of the ten most significant publications in order of importance with: a brief summary explaining their significance and why they are so relevant according to the Nominator (less than 150 words by publication); the number of citations for each paper excluding autocitations, and the impact factor of each journal, if relevant. Please, add a link to access all publications mentioned in the list. If for some of the publications the related links are not available, please upload them in pdf, if possible, or at least provide fully detailed article references including all the authors.
- Three to five letters of recommendation from eminent scientists outside the candidate’s home institution.
 

Nominations that are incomplete or received after June 30th, 2026, as well as applications that do not meet the requirements mentioned above, will not be taken into consideration.

Nominations are valid for two editions of the International Awards in Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science. Unsuccessful nominations submitted for the 2027 edition will be held on file and nominators will be invited to update the candidates' information when the next call for nominations opens in April 2028 for the 2029 edition.