CFAs: L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Regional Award

Deadline: 15-Jun-2026

The L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” Regional Award is accepting applications from outstanding female researchers in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The award recognizes women scientists who have demonstrated excellence in research and scientific leadership while contributing to advancements in their respective fields.

The program promotes the participation of women in science, supports high-impact research, and highlights the important role female researchers play in addressing regional and global challenges through scientific innovation and discovery.

About the Award

The L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” Regional Award recognizes exceptional female researchers from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru who have achieved excellence in scientific research at national and international levels.

The award aims to strengthen the visibility of women in science and support their continued professional development. It honors researchers who have demonstrated strong scientific output, leadership as principal investigators, and meaningful contributions to advancing knowledge in their disciplines.

Three researchers will be selected, with one awardee representing each participating country.

Focus Areas

The award supports research in the following disciplines:

• Formal sciences
• Life sciences
• Environmental sciences
• Physical sciences
• Engineering sciences
• Technological sciences

Purpose of the Award

The program seeks to:

• Promote the participation of women in scientific research
• Foster excellence in science and innovation
• Support high-impact research across key disciplines
• Encourage scientific leadership among women researchers
• Advance scientific careers and professional development
• Strengthen women’s contributions to science-driven solutions
• Address regional and global scientific challenges

Award Benefits

The selected researchers will receive:

• USD $10,000 grant per awardee
• Regional recognition for scientific excellence
• Greater visibility within the scientific community
• Support for continued research and career development

Funding details include:

• USD $10,000 awarded to each researcher
• Three award recipients in total
• Total funding allocation of USD $30,000

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru by birth or naturalization
• Be legally recognized as female on national identification documents
• Hold a doctoral degree obtained in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, or an international institution
• Have completed the doctoral degree no more than ten years before the application deadline
• Have served as a principal investigator on a scientific research project
• Conduct research within one of the eligible scientific disciplines
• Be affiliated with a recognized university or research institution in Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru

Ineligible Applicants

The following individuals are not eligible:

• Previous recipients of any L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” national award
• Previous recipients of any L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” regional award

Researchers who applied in previous editions but were not selected may apply again.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• Scientific excellence
• Strong research output
• Leadership as a principal investigator
• Contributions to advancing knowledge in their field
• Recognition at national and international levels
• Commitment to scientific advancement and innovation

Application Process

The application process includes:

• Reviewing the eligibility requirements
• Confirming citizenship and institutional affiliation
• Preparing documentation related to academic qualifications and research achievements
• Providing evidence of principal investigator experience
• Completing the official application form
• Submitting all required materials before the deadline

Importance of the Award

The L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” Regional Award helps increase the visibility of women in scientific research and encourages greater participation in STEM fields.

Key benefits of the program include:

• Recognizing outstanding women scientists
• Supporting scientific excellence and innovation
• Strengthening women’s leadership in research
• Promoting gender equality in science
• Encouraging solutions to social, environmental, and technological challenges
• Advancing scientific progress across the region

Application Tips

Strong applications typically demonstrate:

• Evidence of scientific excellence
• Significant research achievements
• Strong publication and research records
• Leadership experience as a principal investigator
• Impact within the applicant’s discipline
• Contributions to advancing scientific knowledge

Common Application Mistakes

Applications may be weakened by:

• Not meeting eligibility requirements
• Incomplete documentation
• Limited evidence of research leadership
• Insufficient demonstration of scientific impact
• Missing proof of institutional affiliation
• Failure to clearly present research achievements

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” Regional Award?

  The award recognizes outstanding female researchers from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru who have demonstrated excellence in scientific research and leadership.

• How much funding is available?

  Each selected researcher receives a grant of USD $10,000. The total funding allocation is USD $30,000.

• How many researchers will be selected?

  Three researchers will be selected, with one awardee from Colombia, one from Ecuador, and one from Peru.

• Who can apply?

  Female researchers who are citizens of Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru, hold a doctoral degree obtained within the last ten years, have served as principal investigators, and are affiliated with a recognized university or research institution in one of the participating countries.

• What scientific fields are supported?

  The award supports formal sciences, life sciences, environmental sciences, physical sciences, engineering sciences, and technological sciences.

• Can previous applicants apply again?

  Yes. Applicants who applied in previous editions but were not selected may submit a new application.

• Are previous award recipients eligible?

  No. Previous recipients of any L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” national or regional award are not eligible.

Conclusion

The L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” Regional Award recognizes exceptional women researchers who are advancing scientific knowledge and innovation in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Through financial support and professional recognition, the program strengthens women’s leadership in science and promotes research that contributes to addressing important regional and global challenges.

For more information, visit L’Oréal Foundation.