The world needs science – and science needs women. This is why applications are now open for the 2021 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowships, to support exceptional female early-career researchers across life and medical sciences, physical sciences, computer science, engineering and mathematics.
For the past 20 years, the L’Oréal Corporate Foundation and UNESCO have been committed to increasing the number of women working in scientific research.
The support through these fellowships come as only 28% of researchers are women with less than 20% making up the most senior leadership positions, and with only 3% of Scientific Nobel Prizes ever been awarded to women.
To help redress the balance, the Australia and New Zealand Fellowships will provide $25,000 to aid the successful applicants’ research and career progression. They may use the funds for equipment, employment of a research assistant or technical support, attending a conference or research training, or even to obtain support in the form of child-care.
As part of the prize, all the successful Fellows complete a comprehensive media and communications seminar, to help provide confidence and the ability to discuss research with the broader community and specifically the media. This training works on highlighting each Fellow’s passion for science, the focus of their research and its significance within Australia and the world. It aims to overcome any barriers faced by women within the scientific world, to enable them to become future leaders within their research fields.
Throughout the year of the Fellowship, the research of Women in Science Fellows is promoted to both the scientific community and mainstream media, to help increase awareness of the issues surrounding gender equity within STEMM studies and play a role in the movement towards equal opportunity and representation of women at all levels within STEMM.
Through the stories we are able to inspire girls and young women all over Australia and New Zealand, to pursue a career in science. We also believe these stories will inspire young men, which will aid the acknowledgement that great scientific achievements can be obtained from both men and women. This is critical in the development of a cultural change for our future generations.
Applications for the 2021 Fellowships, which close on 1 March, can be made via the website www.forwomeninscience.com.au