Delhi: UNESCO has called for nominations for the 2025 L’Oreal-UNESCO for Women in Science International Award. Interested and eligible candidates can submit applications to the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU) by July 1, 2024. INCCU will forward the nominations to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France for further consideration.
The 2025 edition of the awards will designate five outstanding scientific researchers in the fields of Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Each of the five laureates will receive an award of 100,000 euros in recognition of their significant contributions to scientific research.
UNESCO has invited scientists from around the world to nominate candidates for the 2025 International Awards. An international jury of eminent scientists will make the final selection of the winners.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The candidates nominated for the award must be recognized for their scientific excellence by the international scientific community.
- They must have actively participated in scientific research.
- Self-nominations and nominations made by immediate family members are not eligible.
- The award will be given to individuals only; teams are not eligible for nomination.
Qualified nominators may include heads of universities or scientific institutions, members of academies of science, holders of research chairs, full professors, former laureates of the For Women in Science International Awards, and must possess at least a PhD in Science.
Since its inception in 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards have honored 132 laureates, seven of whom have also won the Nobel Prize. This prestigious program aims to recognize and promote the work of women scientists around the globe.
Latest Updates:
- Increased Global Participation: This year, UNESCO has emphasized increasing global participation by reaching out to underrepresented regions. Efforts are being made to ensure that talented women scientists from developing countries have equal opportunities to be recognized.
- New Digital Submission Platform: To streamline the nomination process, UNESCO has introduced a new digital submission platform. This platform allows nominators to submit applications and supporting documents online, ensuring a more efficient and eco-friendly process.
- Mentorship Program for Laureates: In addition to the financial award, the 2025 laureates will have the opportunity to participate in a newly established mentorship program. This program will pair laureates with leading scientists and industry experts to help them further their research and career development.
- Focus on Interdisciplinary Research: The 2025 awards will also place a special emphasis on interdisciplinary research. UNESCO encourages nominations of women scientists whose work bridges multiple scientific disciplines, fostering innovation and holistic approaches to solving complex global challenges.
- Public Engagement and Outreach: UNESCO is planning a series of public engagement and outreach activities to raise awareness about the contributions of women in science. These activities will include webinars, social media campaigns, and collaborations with educational institutions to inspire the next generation of women scientists.
Application Process: Interested candidates should ensure that their nominations are submitted by the deadline of July 1, 2024. For detailed guidelines and to access the new digital submission platform, nominators can visit the official UNESCO website or contact the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU).
This award continues to be a beacon of recognition for women in science, celebrating their achievements and encouraging greater participation of women in scientific research globally.