Deadline: 24-Apr-2026
The L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme supports women researchers in life, formal, environmental, physical, and engineering sciences. The programme provides research grants of €10,000 for doctoral candidates and €15,000 for post-doctoral researchers, along with leadership and professional development opportunities, fostering scientific excellence and international recognition.
Overview of the Programme
The L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme seeks to advance excellence among women researchers across the region. By supporting outstanding scientists, the programme promotes scientific innovation and global research collaboration, while building a strong professional community of women in science.
Focus Areas
Eligible research must fall within:
- Formal & Life Sciences
- Environmental & Physical Sciences
- Engineering & Technological Sciences
The programme also emphasizes professional development, offering specialized training in leadership, management, negotiation, and communication.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of one of the 49 Sub-Saharan African countries, including South Africa
- Conduct research within an institution or laboratory in the region
- Research must fall within the specified scientific fields
- Doctoral candidates must be enrolled in at least their second year of a doctoral programme
- Post-doctoral candidates must have defended their thesis after February 2021, with maternity extensions of one year per child
- Previous recipients of any L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science award are not eligible
Funding Details
- Doctoral candidates: €10,000 research grant, supporting up to 30 recipients
- Post-doctoral researchers: €15,000 research grant, supporting up to 8 recipients
- Additional benefits include international recognition, networking opportunities, and leadership training
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility based on citizenship, research field, and career stage
- Prepare research documentation and institutional affiliation proof
- Submit application within the specified call period
- Highlight research impact, innovation, and contribution to scientific progress
- Ensure compliance with programme requirements regarding thesis defense, maternity clauses, and prior awards
Why This Programme Matters
The initiative empowers women scientists across Sub-Saharan Africa, promoting gender equality in STEM and enabling participation in global scientific discovery. By combining research funding with leadership and professional development, the programme strengthens both scientific capacity and career advancement for women researchers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying as a first-year doctoral student or before post-doctoral eligibility criteria are met
- Submitting research outside the eligible scientific fields
- Failing to demonstrate active research within a recognized institution in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Applying if previously awarded a L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science grant
- Overlooking required documentation, such as thesis defense dates or maternity extensions
FAQs
1. Who is eligible? Women researchers from Sub-Saharan African countries conducting research in eligible fields within regional institutions.
2. What funding is available? €10,000 for doctoral candidates, €15,000 for post-doctoral researchers.
3. Are first-year doctoral students eligible? No, applicants must be in at least their second year of doctoral studies.
4. Can previous award recipients apply? No, previous recipients of any L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science award are ineligible.
5. Are maternity clauses considered? Yes, post-doctoral eligibility can be extended by one year per child.
6. What fields are supported? Life and formal sciences, environmental and physical sciences, and engineering & technological sciences.
7. What additional benefits are provided? Leadership and professional training, international recognition, and networking opportunities.
Conclusion
The L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme 2026 provides research funding, professional development, and global recognition to empower women scientists. By supporting excellence in STEM fields, the programme strengthens the scientific community, promotes gender equality, and advances innovation across the region.
For more information, visit For Women in Science.
