Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science National Program provides scholarships to women researchers working in Life Sciences and Material Sciences to support scientific innovation and help bridge the gender gap in science. The programme awards three annual fellowships, each worth 150,000,000 VND, to support research activities conducted by eligible women scientists.
The initiative supports female researchers with strong scientific achievements and innovative research proposals that contribute to future scientific advancement and address significant societal and global challenges. Applications must include research proposals, recommendation letters, scientific publications, and supporting academic documents.
What is the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science National Program?
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science National Program is a scientific fellowship initiative designed to support and recognize women researchers pursuing impactful scientific work in Life Sciences and Material Sciences.
The programme promotes gender equality in science and encourages women scientists to continue advancing their research careers. It provides financial support, visibility, and recognition to female researchers whose work demonstrates innovation, scientific merit, and potential contributions to society and future scientific development.
The initiative also aims to strengthen the role of women in scientific leadership and increase their visibility within the global scientific community.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support women pursuing scientific research careers.
- Promote innovative and applicable scientific research.
- Increase visibility of women scientists.
- Strengthen women’s participation in STEM fields.
- Support research addressing major societal and global challenges.
- Encourage scientific excellence and future innovation.
- Contribute to long-term scientific advancement.
Research Areas Supported
The fellowship supports research projects in two major scientific fields:
- Life Sciences.
- Material Sciences.
Life Sciences
Eligible Life Sciences fields may include:
- Biology.
- Biotechnology.
- Medical sciences.
- Environmental sciences.
- Genetics and health-related research.
Material Sciences
Supported Material Sciences fields may include:
- Advanced materials research.
- Nanotechnology.
- Engineering materials.
- Applied chemistry and physics.
- Industrial and technological materials innovation.
Research proposals should demonstrate scientific relevance, innovation, and practical applicability.
Funding Available
The programme awards:
- Three annual scholarships.
Each selected fellow receives:
- 150,000,000 VND.
The fellowship funding supports:
- Research implementation activities.
- Scientific project-related expenses.
- Laboratory and research-related costs.
- Project execution according to the approved research proposal.
Funding Restriction
The fellowship budget does not support:
- Conference participation expenses.
Applicants should ensure their budget plans align with eligible project costs.
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to women researchers meeting the eligibility criteria.
Applicants must:
- Be female scientific researchers.
- Be no older than 45 years at the application deadline.
- Hold a Ph.D., OR
- Be currently undertaking post-doctoral research.
Research Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Have an active or proposed research project.
- Conduct research in Life Sciences or Material Sciences.
- Demonstrate ongoing or planned scientific research activities.
Scientific Achievement Requirement
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Proven scientific achievements.
- Publications in international or regional scientific journals.
- Active engagement in scientific research activities.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application package containing all required supporting documents.
Required documents include:
- Completed application form.
- Scanned copy of Ph.D. degree or relevant qualifications.
- Two recommendation letters from leading or collaborating scientists.
- Research proposal summary.
- List of scientific publications.
- Certificates of scientific achievements if available.
All documents must be submitted:
- Via email.
- In English or Vietnamese.
Incomplete applications may not be considered for evaluation.
Research Proposal Requirements
Applicants must provide a summary of their research proposal.
The proposal should include:
- Research objectives.
- Research methodology.
- Expected results and outcomes.
- Budget plan and funding use.
- Scientific relevance and innovation.
Strong proposals should demonstrate:
- Creativity and originality.
- Practical applicability.
- Contribution to future scientific advancement.
- Potential solutions to important challenges.
Selection Process
Applications undergo a competitive evaluation process conducted by a Jury Board.
The selection process includes:
- Review of research proposals.
- Assessment of scientific achievements.
- Evaluation of research relevance and innovation.
- Analysis of project feasibility and impact.
Each year:
- Three candidates are selected from the shortlist.
Selection Criteria
The Jury Board evaluates applications based on several factors.
Assessment criteria include:
- Modernity and innovation of the research proposal.
- Creativity and scientific originality.
- Applicability and practical relevance of the research.
- Potential contribution to solving global challenges.
- Contribution to future scientific advancements.
- Clarity and comprehensibility of scientific language.
- Systematic and well-structured presentation.
- Scientific achievements and publication record.
The programme places strong emphasis on both scientific excellence and societal impact.
Responsibilities of Awardees
Selected fellows are expected to:
- Implement the proposed research project.
- Follow the approved fellowship plan.
- Use funding according to the proposed budget.
- Conduct research activities within the specified project framework.
Awardees are encouraged to contribute to scientific advancement and innovation through their work.
Why This Programme Matters
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science National Program plays an important role in promoting gender equality and scientific leadership.
Key benefits include:
- Supporting women scientists and researchers.
- Strengthening scientific innovation and research capacity.
- Increasing recognition of women in science.
- Encouraging future scientific leadership.
- Supporting research with societal and global impact.
- Promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
The programme also contributes to reducing gender disparities in scientific careers and research opportunities.
Expected Outcomes
The fellowship programme is expected to support:
- Innovative scientific research projects.
- Increased participation of women in science.
- Future scientific discoveries and advancements.
- Research contributing to social and global development.
- Stronger scientific leadership among women researchers.
- Increased visibility of women scientists in academic and research communities.
The initiative aims to create long-term scientific and societal impact.
How Applications are Evaluated
Applications are likely to be assessed based on:
- Scientific quality and originality.
- Innovation and applicability of the research.
- Clarity and structure of the proposal.
- Scientific publication record and achievements.
- Potential impact on future scientific advancement.
- Contribution to addressing societal or global challenges.
Strong applications should combine scientific excellence with practical and future-oriented impact.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their applications by focusing on the following areas:
- Clearly explain the importance of the research.
- Demonstrate innovation and originality.
- Present realistic and well-structured methodologies.
- Include strong scientific recommendations.
- Highlight scientific publications and achievements.
- Ensure the proposal is clearly written and understandable.
- Align the project with societal and scientific needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following issues:
- Incomplete application documents.
- Weak or unclear research objectives.
- Poorly structured research proposals.
- Lack of evidence of scientific achievements.
- Failure to demonstrate applicability or impact.
- Unclear budget planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science National Program?
It is a fellowship programme supporting women researchers in Life Sciences and Material Sciences.
How many fellowships are awarded each year?
Three annual scholarships are awarded.
What is the value of each fellowship?
Each selected fellow receives 150,000,000 VND.
Who can apply for the programme?
Eligible applicants are women researchers holding a Ph.D. or undertaking post-doctoral research.
What research fields are supported?
The programme supports Life Sciences and Material Sciences.
Can the funding be used for conference participation?
No. Conference participation costs are excluded from the fellowship budget.
What documents are required for application?
Applicants must submit a research proposal summary, recommendation letters, academic qualifications, publication list, and supporting scientific achievement documents.
Conclusion
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science National Program provides important fellowship opportunities for women researchers pursuing impactful scientific work in Life Sciences and Material Sciences. Through financial support, recognition, and promotion of scientific excellence, the programme strengthens women’s participation and leadership in research and innovation.
The initiative highlights the importance of supporting women scientists whose work contributes to future scientific advancement and addresses important societal challenges. Women researchers with strong scientific achievements and innovative research proposals are encouraged to apply for this prestigious fellowship opportunity.
For more information, visit For Women in Science.