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RFAs: For Women In Science National Fellowship Programme (Turkey)

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Deadline: 02-Jun-2026

The L’Oréal–UNESCO National Fellowship for Women in Science Programme in Türkiye supports young women scientists conducting innovative research in Life & Environmental Sciences and Physical Sciences. The fellowship awards 400,000 Turkish Lira (TL) to four outstanding researchers each year to conduct independent research projects in Türkiye. Applications are open from 6 February 2026 to 2 June 2026, and candidates must hold a Ph.D. and be under 40 years old.

Overview of the L’Oréal–UNESCO Women in Science Fellowship

The L’Oréal–UNESCO National Fellowship for Women in Science Programme recognizes and supports promising women scientists in Türkiye who are conducting high-impact research. The initiative aims to promote gender equality in science, encourage innovation, and strengthen scientific research capacity.

Each year, the fellowship selects four young women researchers with outstanding scientific achievements and innovative research proposals. These researchers receive financial support to carry out independent scientific projects in Türkiye within one year.

The programme forms part of the broader L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science initiative, a global effort to empower women researchers and address gender gaps in scientific fields.

Fellowship Categories and Research Fields

The fellowship supports research across two major scientific disciplines.

Life & Environmental Sciences

Research areas in this category include:

  • Biology

  • Molecular Biology

  • Genetics and Molecular Genetics

  • Biochemistry

  • Biophysics

  • Biotechnology

  • Ecology

  • Pharmacology

  • Physiology

  • Bioinformatics and Health Informatics

  • Neurobiology

  • Biomedical and Artificial Intelligence applications in Biology

These fields focus on advancing knowledge about living systems, environmental sustainability, and medical sciences.

Physical Sciences

This category supports research in:

  • Basic Sciences (excluding life sciences)

  • Engineering and Applied Sciences

  • Particulate Materials

  • Polymers

  • Glasses and Ceramics

  • Composite Materials

  • Biomaterials

  • Nanomaterials

  • Specially Designed Surfaces

  • Photonic Crystals

  • Condensed Matter Physics

  • Statistical Physics

These disciplines contribute to technological innovation, materials science, and advanced engineering research.

Funding and Fellowship Benefits

Each selected fellow receives 400,000 Turkish Lira (TL) to support their research project.

Key Financial Details

  • Funding amount: 400,000 TL per fellow

  • Number of fellowships: 4 per year

  • Duration: Less than one year

  • Payment structure: Two installments

  • Disbursement: After award ceremony and agreement signing

Additional Benefits

Recipients gain:

  • National recognition for scientific excellence

  • Increased visibility within the scientific community

  • Opportunities to inspire and mentor future women scientists

  • Support to conduct independent research

Project Requirements

Applicants must propose an independent research project.

Key Conditions

  • Research must be conducted within Türkiye

  • The project must be carried out individually

  • It cannot be part of a thesis or academic degree program

Project Restrictions

Projects cannot include:

  • Research related to cosmetics development

  • Funding for laboratory infrastructure

  • Service procurements exceeding one-third of the project budget

Who is Eligible?

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements.

Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be a citizen of the Republic of Türkiye

  • Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent medical doctorate

  • Be under 40 years old as of 1 January 2026

  • Propose a project in Life & Environmental Sciences or Physical Sciences

  • Conduct the research independently

Institutional Requirements

Applicants must also secure:

  • A host scientific institution in Türkiye

  • A support letter from the host institution

Why This Fellowship Matters

Women remain underrepresented in many scientific fields, particularly in leadership roles and advanced research positions. The L’Oréal–UNESCO fellowship addresses this challenge by supporting early-career women scientists.

Key Impacts

The fellowship helps to:

  • Promote gender equality in science

  • Encourage innovative research and discovery

  • Strengthen Türkiye’s scientific ecosystem

  • Inspire young women to pursue STEM careers

  • Support high-impact research addressing global challenges

How the Selection Process Works

Applications are reviewed by an independent scientific jury coordinated by the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO.

Evaluation Criteria

The jury evaluates candidates based on:

  1. Academic excellence

    • Scientific publications

    • Conference presentations

    • Patents

  2. Research proposal quality

    • Scientific rigor

    • Innovation

    • Methodology

  3. Potential scientific impact

    • Contribution to national and global science

  4. Communication and leadership

    • Ability to promote science

    • Role as a mentor for young women researchers

How to Apply for the Fellowship

Applications must be submitted online through the official fellowship platform.

Application Timeline

  • Applications open: 6 February 2026

  • Application deadline: 2 June 2026

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Prepare your research proposal.

  2. Gather all required documents.

  3. Complete the online application form.

  4. Upload the supporting documents.

  5. Submit the application before the deadline.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials:

  • Completed application form

  • Curriculum vitae (CV)

  • Academic degree certificates

  • Research proposal (maximum three pages)

  • Detailed project budget

  • Support letter from host institution

  • Two academic reference letters

  • List of scientific publications and patents from Web of Science

Additional Requirement

If the research involves human or animal subjects, applicants must submit:

  • A signed ethics committee approval report

Fellowship Responsibilities for Awardees

Selected fellows must:

  • Conduct the research project within one year

  • Submit a progress report after project completion

  • Acknowledge the fellowship in any resulting publications

  • Participate in the official award ceremony in İstanbul

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

  • Submitting incomplete applications

  • Exceeding the three-page limit for the proposal

  • Proposing projects related to cosmetics

  • Presenting research that is part of a thesis project

  • Ignoring budget limitations

Tip for Applicants

Focus on clear scientific innovation, strong methodology, and real-world impact when writing your research proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the funding amount for the L’Oréal–UNESCO Fellowship in Türkiye?

Each selected researcher receives 400,000 Turkish Lira (TL) to support an independent research project.

2. How many fellows are selected each year?

The programme selects four fellows annually, with two awards in each scientific category.

3. What fields of research are eligible?

Eligible fields include Life & Environmental Sciences and Physical Sciences, covering disciplines such as biology, biotechnology, engineering, nanomaterials, and physics.

4. Can Ph.D. students apply for this fellowship?

No. Applicants must already hold a Ph.D. or equivalent medical doctorate before the application deadline.

5. Is the research project required to be conducted in Türkiye?

Yes. The research must be implemented within Türkiye and hosted by a local scientific institution.

6. What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a CV, project proposal, academic certificates, reference letters, budget plan, and institutional support letter.

7. When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 2 June 2026.

Conclusion

The L’Oréal–UNESCO National Fellowship for Women in Science Programme in Türkiye provides vital funding and recognition for women scientists pursuing innovative research. By awarding 400,000 TL fellowships to four outstanding researchers, the programme strengthens scientific advancement and supports gender equality in STEM fields.

For young women scientists in Türkiye, this fellowship offers a valuable opportunity to conduct independent research, gain recognition, and contribute to global scientific progress.

For more information, visit Fondation l’Oreal.

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