In 2025, five outstanding women post-doctoral scientists will be awarded to support their research the fields of Engineering, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physical Sciences and Sustainable Development.

Award Information

• A grant worth £25,000 (equivalent € in Ireland).
• Five awards per year.

Eligible Areas

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics and Computer Science
• Physical Sciences
• Sustainable Development

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must identify as female postdoctoral level researchers who have already been awarded their research doctorate in the fields of Engineering, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physical Sciences, or Sustainable Development.
• Candidates must have no more than 10 years’ active full-time equivalent postdoctoral experience (discounting career breaks but including teaching experience and/or time spent in industry) at the time that their application is submitted.
• Candidates must not currently hold or have previously held a permanent academic post. They must not have received, before the start date of the award, the promise of a permanent academic post.
• Candidates must be undertaking research in one of the following fields: Engineering, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physical Sciences, or Sustainable Development.
• Candidates undertaking research in the fields of Psychology, Science Education and Social Sciences are not eligible for this award.
• Candidates must be conducting their research at a UK or Irish university or research.
• Candidates can be a citizen of any country but must already have a confirmed position at a university or institute within the UK or Ireland. This contract must cover the 12-month period of the award, starting from when the grant is awarded.
• Candidates must be reside within the UK or Ireland at the time of application. Applications are welcome from candidates who wish to establish/re-establish themselves after a career break or other period of absence from active research or where the candidate is establishing a research career as a mature entrant or after experience in other fields.
• Candidates who have previously been unsuccessful in becoming a finalist may apply again. If a candidate was successful in becoming a finalist and was recognised as ‘Highly Commended’, they cannot apply again.

Selection Criteria

• Intellectual Merit of Applicant
  • Academic records.
  • Ability to effectively interpret and communicate research findings.
  • Evidence of originality, initiative and productivity.
  • Strong recommendation via reference letters.
• Quality of Research Proposal
  • The originality of the research proposal.
  • The relevance of the research and its impact.
  • The proposal should be presented in a clear and compelling format.
• Impact of the Young Talent Award
  • How the award will enhance the applicant’s career and/or assist with a successful return to scientific research.
  • Has the applicant made a convincing case of the impact this award will make to her.

Application Requirements

• Alongside your completed application form, you must submit the following documentation:
  • One Letter of Acceptance from host institution (must confirm that the university/research institute is able to provide you with the appropriate space and facilities for the duration of the 12- month period to undertake the research that the award would support).
  • Two Letters of Recommendation from academic supervisors acquainted with recent periods of formal study or research.
  • One Candidate Statement, including a breakdown of expenditure (maximum 500 words).
  • One Research Proposal (maximum 600 words, not including bibliography).

For more information, visit Fondation l'Oreal.

https://www.forwomeninscience.com/challenge/show/142