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About the Program

For more information about the L'Oreal For Women in Science program, please click here.
To view a PDF of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the program, please click here.

The eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • Must have a conferred PhD and have started in a postdoctoral research position by January 31, 2025
  • Must maintain the status of postdoctoral researcher throughout the fellowship year
  • Must be American born, naturalized citizen or permanent resident
  • Must be affiliated with a U.S. based academic or research institution
  • Must plan to conduct their postdoctoral studies and research in the U.S.
  • Must be involved in basic research in the life and physical/material sciences, engineering & technology, computer science and mathematics
  • Cannot be in a faculty position
  • Must commit to at least twenty hours of activity in support of women and girls in science (e.g. mentoring, classroom visits, media, events)
  • Must be available the week of November 11, 2025 for the For Women in Science Awards Week.

The Selection Process

To ensure that the candidates who are selected represent scientific excellence, the program utilizes a two-phased application review process.

In the first round, applications are evaluated by experienced scientists in the candidates' respective fields. In the second round, a distinguished Jury of eminent scientists evaluates the top-ranked candidates and selects the five winners.

The Candidates are Evaluated for Overall Excellence with a Focus on:

SCIENTIFIC EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY OF PROPOSED RESEARCH

Scientific excellence and appropriateness of proposed research:

  • What is the quality and feasibility of the research?
  • To what extent does the proposed research have the potential to advance this field of study and contribute more broadly to the advancement of society? How significant are the wider impacts of this research?
  • Is the candidate qualified to conduct the proposed research?
  • Ability to plan and conduct research either as a member of a team or independently:
    • Are the important concepts, objectives, and processes clearly defined? Do the proposed approaches adequately address the objectives?
    • Does the candidate have a proven track record of having successfully completed research in the past, which would predict success for this proposal?
  • Evidence of originality, initiative, and productivity
    • Is the proposed research innovative, unique, and relevant?
  • Choice of host institution and department mentor
    • Can the host institution and investigator provide adequate facilities and academic/professional support for this research proposal?

INTELLECTUAL MERIT AND POTENTIAL FOR CAREER ENHANCEMENT

Intellectual merit, academic records, and accepted requisites for scholarly scientific study:

  • Does this candidate have adequate education and background to conduct the proposed research and advance this field of study?
  • Potential for career enhancement if awarded the fellowship:
    • To what extent will the funding and exposure of this fellowship enhance the candidate's professional and personal development?

BUDGET PROPOSAL

  • Is the proposed budget allocation a reasonable and appropriate use of funds? To what extent will the funding support the candidate's research project and provide career enhancement?

Please note the following budget guidelines:

  • The funding is intended to support the candidate's research project and provide career enhancement. Suggested uses of the funding include: tuition fees, attendance at meetings and conferences, laboratory supplies, publication costs, computer and technical support, equipment, and instruments. International travel is allowed. Indirect or fringe costs (including insurance and overhead) are not allowed.
  • Applicants may allocate up to 10% of their total budget estimate for community service or outreach projects beyond the scope of their proposed research plan (e.g. hosting a science workshop for K-12 students with a local outreach organization).
  • Salaries for technicians and students may be proposed, as long as the candidate can justify that these individuals will directly support the candidate's research.
  • A candidate may use the funding to cover her salary if she can justify why it is not already being covered by her PI or lab.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Commitment to supporting women and girls in science:

  • Has the candidate successfully demonstrated her commitment to supporting women and girls in STEM through past initiatives?
  • Does the candidate plan to pursue future initiatives? To what extent will this impact the beneficiaries?

Program Administration

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which is dedicated to advancing science around the world, is the official administrator for the L'Oréal USA For Women in Science program. In this capacity, AAAS:

  • manages the program's application process,
  • directs the peer-review process,
  • processes fellowship grant payments, and
  • oversees agreements and review of interim and final reports.

Learn more at: https://www.aaas.org/programs/loreal-usa-women-science

Privacy Information

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the administrator of the L'Oréal USA For Women in Science program and, as such, acts as the manager of the information submitted in the applications to the program. For more information on the AAAS privacy policy, please visit: http://www.aaas.org/privacy.shtml.