Call for applications for the L’Oréal For Women in Science Award 2026 is open!
In the United States, the For Women in Science fellowship program awards five women postdoctoral scientists annually with grants for their contributions in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields and commitment to serving as role models for younger generations. Each year, the program attracts talented applicants from diverse STEM fields, representing some of the nation’s leading academic institutions and laboratories.
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Since 2003, the L’Oréal USA For Women in Science fellowship program has awarded over 100 postdoctoral women scientists almost $5 million in grants. L’Oréal USA partners with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to manage the program’s application and peer-review process. The five 2026 awardees will receive $75,000 to advance their innovative research along with their outreach activities to support the next generation of women in STEM. Awardees will have one year from the awards ceremony (November 2026) to complete their twenty hours of service.
To ensure that the candidates who are selected represent scientific excellence, the program utilizes a two-phased application review process. In the first round, applications are evaluated by experienced scientists in the candidates’ respective fields. In the second round, a distinguished jury of eminent scientists evaluates the top-ranked candidates and selects the five winners.
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The research described in the applicant’s Research Proposal must be involved in the life,
physical/material sciences, engineering, technology, computer science, and/or mathematics fields. Psychology, science education, and social science are not eligible for this program. The award is intended to support the applicant’s research project and provide career advancement. Program funds can be used for tuition fees, attendance at meetings and conferences, hiring support staff (including undergraduate and graduate students), laboratory supplies, publication costs, computer and technical support, equipment, and instruments. Applicants may allocate up to 10% of their total budget estimate for community service or outreach projects beyond the scope of their proposed research plan (e.g., hosting a science workshop for K-12 students with a local outreach organization). Indirect or fringe costs, including health insurance, rent, utilities, university overhead, etc. are not permitted.
The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science grant will be paid in two installments. The first grant distribution, typically half of the total value of the award, will be paid at the award ceremony. The remaining balance will be mailed following submission and review of the required interim status report, which is due six months after the initial grant distribution. Alternative schedules for fund distributions must be requested and explained in writing and must be approved by L’Oréal USA and AAAS. Program funds will be available for use beginning on the day of the Awards Ceremony in November 2026.
Benefits
- Awardees will receive $75,000 to advance their innovative research
- Recognition & networking opportunity
- Provide career enhancements.
Eligibilities
- Must have a conferred PhD and have started in a postdoctoral research position by January 31, 2026
- Must maintain the status of postdoctoral researcher throughout the fellowship year
- Must be American born, naturalized citizen or permanent resident
- Must be affiliated with a U.S. based academic or research institution
- Must plan to conduct their postdoctoral studies and research in the U.S.
- Must be involved in basic research in the life and physical/material sciences, engineering & technology, computer science and mathematics
- Cannot be in a faculty position
- Must commit to at least twenty hours of activity in support of women and girls in science (e.g. mentoring, classroom visits, media, events)
- Must be available the week of November 9, 2026 for the For Women in Science Awards Week.
Application Process
- Applicants are required to set up an account via the “apply link” below and submit the following:
- The candidate’s statement
- Research Proposal
- Mentoring Essay
- Letters of recommendations
- If selected as an awardee, the candidate will be asked to provide an official transcript from all
degree-granting institutions (undergraduate and graduate) to verify their conferred degrees.
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 (4 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
