L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant Applications

About UNESCO and L’Oréal

Women researchers who contribute to overcoming today’s global challenges are celebrated by UNESCO and Fondation L’Oréal.

L’Oréal and UNESCO launched a program in 2010 to support female scientists in Africa. Since then, more than 150 young female scientists have been supported. Since 2019, a national programme has been launched in South Africa.

L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant Applications

A women’s programme is being launched by L’Oréal-UNESCO in partnership with the South African National Young Talents Programme for the academic year 2023.

This programme is dedicated to South African women scientists and awards doctoral and post-doctorate degrees in these scientific fields:

Applied Sciences (Mathematics, Computer & Information Sciences)

• Chemistry and Physics (Physical Sciences)
• Life and Environmental Sciences (Biological Sciences, Agriculture Sciences, Health Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Earth & Related Environmental Sciences, Health Biotechnology, Basic Medicine)
• Engineering Sciences and Technology (Environmental Biotechnology, Medical Engineering, Material Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nanotechnologies, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Biotechnology, Electrical; Electronic & Information Engineering)

* The full list of scientific areas can be found here.

Coverage

Each year, six female scientists receive funding from the South African National Programme. The values to be recognized include:

Doctoral students: Three grants of R80 000 each will be awarded to doctoral students

Post-doctorate students: Three awards of R160000 each will be given to research students

A Jury and expert panel will review the applications in June 2022. The candidates will be selected by the end of August 2022. Awards will be announced in September 2022, with a ceremony to follow.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements (please note that your application will not be considered if you do not meet all requirements):

Doctoral students:

• Citizenship of South Africa is required
• To study in South Africa, you must enroll at a university
• If you wish to pursue your doctorate in any of the nine provinces, you must enroll in a research laboratory
• The 2nd year of your thesis is required
• In order to conduct science-related research, you must be involved in one of the fields listed above
• If you are currently supported by the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program in your country or region, you are not eligible to apply

Post-doctorate students:

• It is a requirement that you are a citizen of South Africa
• You must be enrolled in a post-doctoral program in one of the nine provinces
• The above fields of scientific study must be your area of specialization
• The field of your research must be one of the following:
• Before the grant opens (5 May 2022) you must have started your post-doctoral work.
• The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program must not currently support you

How to apply?

Applicants must apply online at: L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Grant

It is necessary for applicants to Create an Account before they can Log in and apply.

* Applicants are required to download and read L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa National Young Talents Programme prior to applying.

Documents Required

Include clear copies of the following supporting documentation with your application (these documents are mandatory – any missing items will lead to the disqualification of your application):

• Detailed CV including dissemination actions, training, commitments of the candidate, etc (from page 1 to 2)
• Copy of completed tertiary qualifications
• (200 words maximum) Summary of research work (for a panel of experts)
• Research work and methodology should be described in detail, along with references (font Times New Roman, Text size 12, justified with single spacing) (maximum of two pages)
• The estimated budget detailing the anticipated expenditures for the research work (maximum budget of R80000 for doctoral students; R160000 for postdoctoral researchers – the budget must be presented in a table with estimated expenses).
• Two or more letters of recommendation (evaluating the applicant’s CV, assessing the project’s originality, and discussing the candidate’s personal and professional attributes)
• List of publications by the applicants (listing the most recent publications first) (Doctoral students: the 2 publications that have been published or are in the process of publication. Post-doctoral students: 2 publications that are most important)

Closing Date

The last date of application is 15 June Annually. Place your application before the closing date in order for it to be considered.

Contact Details

Contact L’Oréal-UNESCO directly if you have any questions about this grant program:

Contact form: https://www.forwomeninscience.com/contact/ 

Please do not send any questions after the closing date. View our other bursaries/scholarships open for application here:

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