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Entries Open: Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science

Deadline: 08-Apr-2026

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science recognize outstanding women researchers in STEM and impactful initiatives that support girls and women in science careers. Winners receive US$50,000, global recognition, mentoring from The Estée Lauder Companies, and an invitation to an award ceremony in London or New York. The Awards feature two categories: Scientific Achievement and Science Outreach.

About the Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science celebrate excellence in scientific research and initiatives that promote gender equity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine).

The Awards aim to:

  • Recognize early-career women scientists

  • Promote research excellence in STEM fields

  • Support outreach initiatives that inspire girls and young women

  • Strengthen retention of women in STEM careers

The program is supported by The Estée Lauder Companies and provides financial awards, global visibility, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

Award Categories

1. Scientific Achievement

This category recognizes early-career academic women in STEM who have demonstrated exceptional research excellence.

It focuses on:

2. Science Outreach

This category honors initiatives that:

  • Promote and engage girls and young women in STEM subjects

  • Improve access to science education

  • Support retention of women in STEM careers

  • Introduce innovative and scalable outreach models

Applications may come from individuals, organizations, departments, or project teams.

Award Benefits and Prizes

Winners Receive:

  • US$50,000 cash prize

  • Invitation to the award ceremony in London or New York

  • Travel and accommodation expenses covered

  • Coverage on Nature’s official website (nature.com)

  • Opportunity to present their work to scientists at The Estée Lauder Companies

  • Mentoring support from The Estée Lauder Companies

  • Global recognition in the scientific community

Runners-Up Receive:

  • US$5,000 cash prize

  • Invitation to the award ceremony (travel and accommodation covered)

Shortlisted Applicants Receive:

  • Profile feature on the Nature Awards website

  • Access to an exclusive coaching and networking community

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility differs by category.

Scientific Achievement Category – Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Identify under the Awards’ inclusive definition of women (including trans women, genderqueer, and non-binary people)

  • Hold an MD, PhD, or doctorate by dissertation

  • Be within 10 years of completing their doctorate by 31 December 2024

  • Hold a non-tenured position, including:

    • Non-permanent postdoctoral roles

    • Tenure-track positions

  • Be working in:

    • Natural sciences

    • Technology

    • Engineering

    • Mathematics

    • Medicine

  • Reside in a country where it is lawful to apply

  • Meet all eligibility requirements set by the Promoter

Important Notes on the 10-Year Rule

  • The 10-year period does not need to be continuous

  • Extensions are granted for:

    • Parental leave

    • Approved leaves of absence

  • If an applicant holds both a PhD and an MD, the most recently awarded degree determines eligibility timing

Science Outreach Category – Eligibility Criteria

Applications may be submitted by:

  • Organizations

  • Academic departments

  • Individuals of any gender

  • Project teams

Eligible initiatives must demonstrate:

  • Exceptional contribution to engaging girls and young women in STEM
    OR

  • Significant and innovative efforts to retain women in STEM careers

Why These Awards Matter

The Nature Awards address persistent gender gaps in STEM fields by:

  • Providing financial support to early-career researchers

  • Recognizing outreach programs that drive systemic change

  • Encouraging inclusive scientific leadership

  • Promoting role models for future generations

By highlighting both research excellence and outreach innovation, the Awards create a dual impact: advancing science while strengthening diversity in the scientific workforce.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Category

Determine whether your application fits:

  • Scientific Achievement
    OR

  • Science Outreach

Step 2: Review Eligibility Carefully

Confirm:

  • Degree requirements

  • Career stage eligibility

  • Residency conditions

  • Position status (non-tenured, if applicable)

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Materials

For Scientific Achievement applicants:

  • Academic CV

  • Proof of doctoral completion date

  • Evidence of research impact

  • Description of scientific contribution

For Science Outreach applicants:

  • Description of initiative

  • Measurable impact data

  • Innovation and scalability details

  • Evidence of engagement outcomes

Step 4: Submit Application

Ensure all materials are complete and accurate before submission. Confirm compliance with Promoter conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Miscalculating the 10-year doctorate eligibility window

  • Failing to document leave extensions properly

  • Applying while holding a tenured position (Scientific Achievement category)

  • Submitting incomplete evidence of outreach impact

  • Ignoring residency or legal eligibility requirements

Careful review of guidelines significantly improves application success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the two main categories?

The Awards include:

  • Scientific Achievement

  • Science Outreach

2. What is the prize for winners?

Winners receive US$50,000, mentoring, global recognition, and an invitation to the award ceremony with travel and accommodation covered.

3. Who can apply for the Scientific Achievement category?

Early-career academic women in STEM who:

  • Hold an MD, PhD, or doctorate by dissertation

  • Are within 10 years of completing their doctorate by 31 December 2024

  • Hold a non-tenured position

4. Can organizations apply for the Awards?

Yes. Organizations, departments, individuals of any gender, and teams may apply for the Science Outreach category.

5. Are career breaks considered in eligibility?

Yes. Extensions are granted for parental leave and approved absences.

6. Are non-binary and trans women eligible?

Yes. The Awards use an inclusive definition of women, welcoming trans women, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals.

7. Are travel expenses covered?

Yes. Winners and runners-up are invited to the ceremony in London or New York, with travel and accommodation covered by the organiser.

Conclusion

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science provide substantial financial support, international recognition, and mentoring opportunities for women researchers and STEM outreach leaders.

By recognizing both scientific excellence and impactful outreach, the Awards strengthen global efforts to close the gender gap in STEM and empower the next generation of scientists.

For more information, visit Springer Nature Limited.