Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Maghreb Program supports outstanding young women researchers from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya through research endowments and international recognition. The program promotes scientific excellence in STEM disciplines and provides €10,000 awards to doctoral researchers pursuing innovative research projects across the Maghreb region.
Program Overview
The L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Maghreb Program is a prestigious initiative dedicated to advancing the careers of young women scientists across the Maghreb region.
The program aims to:
- Promote gender equality in scientific research
- Encourage women to pursue research careers
- Recognize scientific excellence and innovation
- Support emerging researchers in STEM fields
- Strengthen scientific research capacity in the Maghreb region
The 20th edition of the program will recognize five outstanding young women researchers currently pursuing doctoral or post-doctoral studies.
Research Fields Supported
The program supports a broad range of scientific disciplines.
Life and Environmental Sciences
Eligible fields include:
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Environmental sciences
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Biomedical sciences
- Life sciences research
Earth Sciences
Supported areas include:
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Climate sciences
- Environmental geology
- Natural resource studies
Material Sciences
Research areas may include:
- Advanced materials
- Nanotechnology
- Material engineering
- Applied material sciences
Mathematics and Computer Sciences
Eligible disciplines include:
- Mathematics
- Applied mathematics
- Computer science
- Artificial intelligence
- Data science
- Information sciences
Engineering and Technology
Supported fields include:
- Engineering sciences
- Technology innovation
- Applied engineering research
- Industrial technologies
Funding Details
Number of Awards
- Five endowments will be awarded
Award Amount
- €10,000 per selected doctoral researcher
Purpose of Funding
The funding is intended to support:
- Research activities
- Scientific project development
- Research-related expenses
- Academic and professional advancement
- Innovation and scientific excellence
Program Objectives
The initiative seeks to:
- Increase women’s participation in scientific research
- Reward outstanding scientific achievements
- Support promising doctoral and post-doctoral researchers
- Encourage innovation and discovery
- Build a stronger regional scientific community
- Promote research excellence across the Maghreb
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must be young women researchers conducting scientific research within the Maghreb region.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be affiliated with institutions in:
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Libya
Doctoral Candidate Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a doctoral school
- Be affiliated with a recognized research laboratory
- Be undertaking research in an eligible scientific field
- Have started their doctorate no later than December 2024
- Be at least in the second year of their doctoral program at the time of application
- Not have defended their thesis before the opening of the 2026 application cycle
Post-Doctoral Researchers
The program also recognizes post-doctoral researchers contributing to scientific advancement within eligible disciplines.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete online application package.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic certificates and diplomas
- Research summary
- Detailed research project description
- Recommendation letters
- List of publications and scientific outputs
- Estimated research budget
- Additional supporting documents requested by the program
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure that:
- You are a woman researcher
- You are affiliated with an eligible institution
- Your research falls within an approved scientific discipline
- You meet the doctoral enrollment requirements
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather all required materials, including:
- Academic records
- Research proposal
- Publications
- Letters of recommendation
- Budget documentation
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Submit the application through the official online platform and ensure all information is accurate and complete.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Review the application carefully before submission and ensure all required attachments are included.
Why This Program Matters
Women remain underrepresented in many scientific and technical fields globally. The L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Maghreb Program helps address this challenge by providing recognition, funding, and visibility to emerging women researchers.
Key benefits include:
- Financial support for research activities
- Increased visibility within the scientific community
- Recognition of scientific excellence
- Career advancement opportunities
- Enhanced research credibility
- Support for future leadership in science
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly communicate the significance of your research
- Highlight innovation and scientific impact
- Demonstrate the relevance of your work to your field
- Include a well-structured research plan
- Obtain strong recommendation letters
- Present a realistic and justified research budget
- Ensure all supporting documents are complete and up to date
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Missing required supporting documents
- Providing unclear research objectives
- Failing to demonstrate scientific impact
- Submitting outdated academic records
- Not meeting doctoral enrollment requirements
- Weak or insufficient recommendation letters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Maghreb Program?
It is a regional initiative that recognizes and supports talented young women researchers in the Maghreb through research funding and scientific recognition.
How many awards are available?
Five endowments will be awarded during the program’s 20th edition.
What is the value of each award?
Each selected doctoral researcher will receive €10,000.
Which countries are eligible?
Researchers affiliated with institutions in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya are eligible.
What research fields are supported?
The program supports Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Material Sciences, Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences, Engineering Sciences, and Technology.
Can first-year doctoral students apply?
No. Applicants must have started their doctorate no later than December 2024 and be at least in their second year of doctoral studies at the time of application.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a CV, academic certificates, research summaries, project descriptions, recommendation letters, publication records, and a proposed research budget.
Conclusion
The L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Maghreb Program is an important initiative that promotes scientific excellence and gender equality across the Maghreb region. By providing financial support, recognition, and career development opportunities, the program helps outstanding women researchers advance their scientific work and contribute to innovation, discovery, and sustainable development in their respective fields.
For more information, visit L’Oréal Foundation.