Deadline: 20-Aug-2025
Entries are now open for the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science UK and Ireland Young Talent Awards, which aim to promote and support the work of women scientists building their research careers in the UK or Ireland.
In 2025, five exceptional postdoctoral women scientists will be selected to receive an award of £25,000 (or equivalent in euros for Irish recipients). These awards will support research in Engineering, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physical Sciences, and Sustainable Development.
Eligible applicants must identify as female and be postdoctoral researchers who have already earned their research doctorate in one of the specified fields. They must have no more than ten years of full-time equivalent postdoctoral experience at the time of application. Career breaks are not counted in this limit, though teaching and industry experience are included.
Candidates must not currently hold or have held a permanent academic post, nor should they have received a promise of one before the award’s start date. They must be conducting research at a university or research institution located in the UK or Ireland, with a contract in place covering the entire 12-month award period.
Applicants can be of any nationality but must already be residing in the UK or Ireland. Those returning to research after a break or entering from another career field are encouraged to apply. Previous applicants who were not selected as finalists may reapply, but those who were finalists and received ‘Highly Commended’ status are not eligible to apply again.
Applicants will be judged on intellectual merit, including academic performance, ability to communicate research, evidence of originality, productivity, and strong references. The quality of the research proposal will also be assessed, focusing on originality, relevance, impact, and clarity of presentation.
The potential impact of the award on the applicant’s career or return to research will be considered, and candidates must explain how the grant would benefit their professional development.
Applications must include a completed form, a letter of acceptance from the host institution confirming support and facilities, two recommendation letters from academic referees, a candidate statement with budget breakdown (max 500 words), and a research proposal (max 600 words, excluding bibliography).
For more information, visit Fondation l’Oreal.
