Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program supports young Arab women researchers in Life Sciences and Physical Sciences across Yemen and GCC countries. The program provides six grants to recognize outstanding research, foster career growth, and promote scientific advancement. Applications close on 30 April 2026.
About the Program
The L’Oréal-UNESCO Middle East Regional Young Talents Program is an initiative by the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO to recognize and support exceptional Arab women scientists. It aims to strengthen research development in Yemen and GCC countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. The program focuses on building successful careers in scientific research and promoting female participation in STEM fields.
Supported Research Areas
The program supports research in two main categories:
Life Sciences – includes biology, biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, physiology, neurosciences, biotechnologies, health sciences (including COVID-19 research), ecology, and ethology.
Physical Sciences – includes physics, chemistry, petroleum engineering, mathematics, engineering sciences, information sciences, and Earth and Universe sciences.
Grants and Funding
The program awards six grants annually:
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Postdoctoral Grants: Three grants of €20,000 each for Arab women researchers working in research laboratories, institutes, or universities in the eligible countries.
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PhD Grants: Three grants of €8,000 each for Arab women pursuing a PhD at eligible institutions.
Funding for PhD candidates can be used for scientific missions, specialized training programs, conferences, publication fees in international indexed journals, and purchase of scientific software, articles, or books relevant to their research.
Who is Eligible?
Postdoctoral Category:
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Arab nationals with a PhD in Life or Physical Sciences.
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Working in a research laboratory, institute, or university in Yemen or GCC countries.
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Age limit: 45 years or younger.
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PhD obtained within the last 10 years, with allowances for career breaks (e.g., maternity or medical leave).
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Active early-career researchers engaged in scientific work.
PhD Student Category:
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Arab nationals with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in relevant science fields.
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Registered full-time PhD students during the 2025–2026 academic year, in the second year of the doctoral program or one year before thesis defense.
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Affiliated with a research laboratory, institute, or university in eligible countries.
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Age limit: 35 years or younger.
Evaluation Criteria
Applicants are assessed by a regional jury based on:
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Academic achievements and credentials.
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Scientific quality, innovation, and methodology of the research project.
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Adherence to international ethical research standards.
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Expected outcomes and impact of the research.
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Ability to promote science and inspire younger generations of Arab female researchers.
Projects involving animal experimentation are evaluated carefully and may be rejected if they involve unnecessary suffering or lack sufficient justification.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online platform before 30 April 2026. Required documents include:
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Academic certificates and curriculum vitae.
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Detailed research project description with methodology.
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Letters of recommendation.
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Letter of intent outlining planned activities and a provisional budget.
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Signed declaration confirming adherence to international ethical research standards.
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PhD candidates must also submit proof of doctoral registration.
Applications are reviewed by the jury from 1 May to 30 June 2026. Winners will be announced in July 2026, followed by an awards ceremony at a later date.
Tips for a Strong Application
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Provide a clear explanation of the research methodology and expected outcomes.
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Highlight innovation and the regional impact of your research.
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Demonstrate commitment to promoting science and inspiring future female researchers.
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Ensure all supporting documents and ethical declarations are included.
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Verify eligibility criteria carefully before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What fields of research are eligible? Life Sciences and Physical Sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, health sciences, mathematics, and related areas.
2. Who can apply for postdoctoral grants? Arab nationals with a PhD obtained within the last 10 years, aged 45 or younger, working in eligible institutions in Yemen or GCC countries.
3. Who is eligible for PhD grants? Arab nationals, full-time PhD students in the second year of their program or one year before thesis defense, aged 35 or younger, affiliated with eligible institutions.
4. Can projects involving animal experimentation be funded? Only if the research follows ethical guidelines and minimizes suffering. Projects lacking sufficient justification may be rejected.
5. What expenses are covered by the grant? Scientific missions, training, conferences, publication fees, scientific software, articles, and books related to the research project.
6. When is the application deadline? 30 April 2026.
7. When will winners be announced? July 2026, with the awards ceremony on a date to be announced.
Conclusion
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program provides vital support to young Arab women researchers, helping them advance careers in Life and Physical Sciences. The grants promote scientific excellence, regional research development, and female participation in STEM fields. Eligible researchers are encouraged to apply before the 30 April 2026 deadline to gain recognition, funding, and career-enhancing opportunities.
For more information, visit Fondation l’Oreal.