The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme works to promote and recognise the contribution of women to science. Its International Rising Talents distinction selects 15 of the most promising young women researchers each year from among the laureates of the programme's national and regional fellowships worldwide. The International Rising Talents are chosen at the doctoral and postdoctoral stage and receive a grant (around €15,000) along with international recognition at an awards ceremony in Paris, visibility, and access to the For Women in Science network. The broader programme also funds many more women annually through its national and regional fellowships. Because the International Rising Talents are drawn from existing national/regional fellows, the pathway is usually to apply first to the For Women in Science fellowship in your own country or region; the most outstanding are then put forward for the international distinction. Eligibility, fields, and timing of the national programmes vary by country.
Apply to the For Women in Science fellowship in your country or region; the most outstanding laureates are selected as International Rising Talents. Check your national programme for its specific process and deadline.
There is generally no single open international application for the Rising Talents — you usually apply to your country's/region's For Women in Science fellowship first, and outstanding laureates are put forward internationally.
Worldwide (via national and regional programmes)
Selection is two-tiered: national and regional juries choose For Women in Science fellows on scientific excellence and promise; from these laureates, an international jury names 15 International Rising Talents each year. Criteria centre on research quality, originality, and potential relative to career stage.
For Women in Science is a partnership between the L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO, running since 1998 to support and recognise women researchers worldwide. Through national, regional, and international awards and fellowships, it works to improve the representation of women in science and to celebrate outstanding female scientists.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
A global programme by L'Oréal and UNESCO that promotes and recognises women in science, funding many women researchers each year through national and regional fellowships and naming 15 International Rising Talents annually.
Each year, 15 of the most promising young women researchers are selected from the programme's national and regional fellowship laureates worldwide and recognised internationally, with a grant of around €15,000.
Women scientists at the doctoral or postdoctoral stage with an outstanding research record, typically selected via their country's or region's For Women in Science fellowship.
Usually you apply to the For Women in Science fellowship in your country or region; there is generally no single open international application. Outstanding laureates are then put forward for the international distinction.
The International Rising Talents grant is around €15,000; national and regional fellowships provide their own separate grant amounts that vary by programme.
Deadlines vary by national/regional programme. Check the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme for your country or region for its specific timing.
Scientific fields including life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, computer science, and engineering — the exact eligible fields can vary by national/regional edition.
It is primarily a research fellowship and recognition for women already engaged in doctoral or postdoctoral research, rather than tuition funding for a taught degree.
Very — only 15 International Rising Talents are named globally each year, selected from the strongest national and regional laureates by an international jury.
International recognition at a ceremony in Paris, global visibility for the laureate's work, and access to the For Women in Science community and alumnae network.
No — the programme specifically supports and recognises women in science, addressing the under-representation of women in scientific careers.
On the For Women in Science website, which lists the national and regional fellowship programmes and their application details by country and region.