Call for applications for The Nature Awards Inspiring Women in Science 2026
The Inspiring Women in Science Awards celebrate and support the achievements of women in science, as well as initiatives that encourage girls and young women to engage with STEM subjects and remain in STEM careers worldwide. The awards recognize individuals, organizations, departments, and project teams that demonstrate exceptional vision, innovation, and measurable impact in advancing gender equality across science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.
The awards are presented in two categories: Science Outreach and Scientific Achievement. The Science Outreach category honors initiatives that have successfully inspired girls and young women to pursue STEM education or improved the retention and career progression of women in STEM fields. Eligible entries may focus on mentorship, educational access, institutional reform, leadership development, or interdisciplinary approaches that strengthen long-term participation of women in science.
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The Scientific Achievement category recognizes women who have made outstanding, demonstrable contributions to scientific discovery while also supporting efforts to inspire the next generation of scientists. Applicants in this category are expected to show strong potential to develop and lead independent research groups. Consideration is also given to candidates who may have overcome significant personal or professional challenges.
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Two winners receive US$50,000 each, while two runners-up receive US$5,000 each. Award recipients are invited to attend a ceremony in either London or New York, with travel and accommodation expenses covered. Winners also benefit from media coverage on Nature’s platform and mentoring opportunities through The Estée Lauder Companies. Shortlisted applicants gain visibility on the Nature Awards website and access to an exclusive coaching and networking community.
The awards use an inclusive definition of “women,” welcoming applications from cisgender women, trans women, and genderqueer or non-binary individuals who identify as women. Through recognition, funding, and global exposure, the programme aims to elevate role models and initiatives that drive meaningful progress toward gender equity in STEM.
Location:
United States, United KingdomBenefits
- A prize of US$50,000
- An invitation to the award ceremony in London or New York, with accommodation and travel expenses paid by the organiser.
- Coverage on nature.com
- An invitation to present their work or initiative to the scientists at The Estée Lauder Companies
- Mentoring through The Estée Lauder Companies
- The runners up will receive a prize of US$5,000
- An invitation to the award ceremony in London or New York, with accommodation and travel expenses paid by the organiser
- The shortlisted applicants will be profiled on the Nature Awards website and access to an exclusive coaching and networking community
Eligibilities
- Science outreach criteria-
- Applications are accepted from organizations, departments, individuals (of any gender), or project teams
- Initiatives must have either:
- Encouraged girls or young women to engage with and study STEM subjects (natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine), or
- Increased retention of women in STEM careers by providing tools that support career progression
- Entries must demonstrate exceptional vision, insight, and/or imagination
- Initiatives must clearly show measurable impact in encouraging, supporting, or promoting girls and/or women in STEM
- Interdisciplinary initiatives are welcome
- One spokesperson must be nominated to act as the official point of contact and represent the entry at the award ceremony
- Scientific Achievement Category
- Applicants must self-identify as women (inclusive of trans women, genderqueer, and non-binary people who identify as women)
- Applicants must have made an exceptional and demonstrable contribution to scientific discovery
- Applicants must demonstrate potential to develop and lead an independent research group
- Applicants should have contributed to inspiring the next generation of scientists or supported the retention of women in science careers
- Applicants must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctorate by dissertation obtained within the last 10 years
- The 10-year eligibility window may be extended for maternity leave or other relevant career breaks (not required to be continuous)
- Applicants must hold a non-tenured position at the time of application
- Applicants must be working within STEM disciplines
- Interdisciplinary research components are accepted
Application Process
Apply through the “Apply Now” link
Application Deadline: April 8, 2026 (35 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
