The 26th edition of the prestigious L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science fellowship program, supporting outstanding female researchers, has been launched. The initiative is carried out under the auspices of L’Oréal Polska Sp. z o.o., the Polish National Commission for UNESCO, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the UN Global Compact Network Poland.
The program aims to promote the scientific achievements of talented women, encourage them to continue their research, and provide financial support to enable further development of their scientific careers.
Over 25 years of support for women in science
The program has been running in Poland since 2001. Until 2015, five outstanding female researchers were recognized each year; from the 25th edition onwards, the number of fellows was increased to eight. Over the course of 25 years, the Jury has already awarded 137 researchers, who today are recognized experts in their respective fields.
The fellowship is awarded to Polish researchers representing broadly defined life sciences, including:
- Medical and health sciences (e.g., medical biology, pharmaceutical sciences, health sciences),
- Exact and natural sciences (e.g., biotechnology, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, Earth and environmental sciences),
- Engineering and technical sciences (e.g., biomedical engineering, chemical engineering),
- Agricultural and veterinary sciences.
Applicants can apply for the fellowship at three stages of their scientific career:
- Master’s level (up to 26 years old),
- Doctoral level (up to 32 years old),
- Postdoctoral/habilitation level (up to 40 years old).
In the case of maternity leave, the age limit may be extended by two years for each child (based on appropriate documentation).
Fellowship amounts
Recipients will receive:
- PLN 40,000 – postdoctoral/habilitation fellowship,
- PLN 35,000 – doctoral fellowship,
- PLN 25,000 – master’s fellowship.
The funds may be used for any purpose related to scientific development – the decision on their use is left to the fellow.
Applications for the 26th edition of the program are accepted until March 12, 2026.
More information about the program: https://www.lorealdlakobietinauki.pl/