L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards 2027: €100,000 for Leading Women Scientists

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards 2027 celebrate outstanding women scientists whose research is making major contributions to the advancement of Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Created in 1998, the International Awards are one of the flagship initiatives of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme. Every year, the programme honours five eminent women scientists from five regions of the world, recognising exceptional scientific achievement and the important role women play at the forefront of global research.

The scientific disciplines recognised by the International Awards alternate each year between Life Sciences and Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science. For the 2027 edition, the awards focus on Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Each of the five selected laureates will receive an award of €100,000.

Please note that this opportunity is different from the L’Oréal-UNESCO regional fellowships and Young Talents programmes. The 2027 International Awards are intended to recognise established, internationally distinguished women scientists rather than doctoral students or early-career researchers.

About the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme was created to recognise the achievements of women researchers and increase the visibility of women in science.

Since the International Awards were launched in 1998, a total of 142 endowments have been awarded.

Through the programme, L’Oréal and UNESCO seek to highlight women whose scientific work has contributed significantly to knowledge, innovation and scientific progress.

For the 2027 cycle, the programme recognises excellence in:

• Physical Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Science

Five women scientists will ultimately be selected, representing five major regions of the world.

Who Can Be Considered?

The International Awards are intended for eminent women scientists who have made important contributions to scientific advancement.

Unlike programmes designed specifically for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers or young scientists, the International Awards recognise highly accomplished researchers with significant scientific achievements.

Candidates should have an outstanding record of research in areas falling within the 2027 award disciplines:

Physical Sciences

Eligible research may fall within disciplines connected to the physical sciences and related fields covered under the programme’s official rules.

Mathematics

Women researchers whose work advances mathematical knowledge may be considered for the award.

Computer Science

Researchers making important contributions to computer science and related areas are also included in the 2027 scientific focus.

Applicants and nominators should consult the official 2027 Rules and Regulations to confirm whether a candidate’s specific scientific discipline falls within the eligible scope.

Five Global Laureates

One of the defining features of the L’Oréal-UNESCO International Awards is their global reach.

Each year, five laureates representing five regions of the world are selected.

The programme is therefore designed to recognise scientific excellence across different geographical regions and strengthen the international visibility of women researchers.

The five selected scientists will join an international community of previous L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science laureates.

Selection Process

Candidates are evaluated by a jury composed of internationally renowned scientific experts.

The International Awards place scientific excellence at the centre of the selection process.

The programme seeks women researchers whose work has made important contributions to scientific progress and who demonstrate the exceptional achievements associated with one of the world’s leading international recognitions for women in science.

According to the 2027 calendar, the final selection of candidates is expected to be completed by:

31 December 2026

What You Get

Each of the five selected laureates receives:

€100,000

The award also brings substantial international recognition through the global L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme.

Beyond the monetary endowment, recognition through the programme can provide greater international visibility for the scientific work and achievements of selected laureates.

The International Awards are designed to celebrate women working at the highest levels of scientific research and highlight their contributions to global scientific advancement.

Key Programme Information

Programme: L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards 2027

Scientific focus: Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science

Number of laureates: 5

Award per laureate: €100,000

Partner: UNESCO

Programme established: 1998

Total endowments awarded since launch: 142

Final selection: 31 December 2026

How to Apply or Nominate

Applications and nominations are managed through the official L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science platform.

To submit an application or nomination, users must:

1. Create or log in to an account on the official For Women in Science platform.
2. Access the relevant International Awards programme when the call is open.
3. Follow the application or nomination instructions provided through the platform.
4. Submit all required information and supporting documentation before the applicable deadline.

If a user is logged into the platform but cannot access the form, the programme advises consulting the “How do I apply for a program?” section of its FAQ.

Applicants and nominators should also review the official 2027 Rules and Regulations before preparing a submission.

APPLY HERE

Important Dates

The official calendar for the 2027 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards in Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science is:

• 6 April 2026: Call for applications/nominations opened
• 5 July 2026: Call for applications/nominations closed
• 31 December 2026: Final selection of candidates

Because the submission deadline was 5 July 2026, the nomination/application period for the 2027 International Awards is now closed.

Those interested in future editions should continue monitoring the official For Women in Science platform for the next call.

Important Clarification

The L’Oréal-UNESCO International Awards should not be confused with regional For Women in Science Fellowships or Young Talents programmes.

The International Awards:

• Recognise five eminent women scientists globally
• Provide €100,000 to each laureate
• Focus on different scientific disciplines in alternating years
• Are intended to honour significant, established scientific achievement

Regional fellowships may have different deadlines, eligibility requirements, award amounts and career-stage requirements.

For this reason, information relating to a 31 August 2026 deadline for a Sub-Saharan Africa fellowship should not be applied to the 2027 International Awards described in this article.

Why the L’Oréal-UNESCO International Awards Matter

Women continue to make groundbreaking contributions across mathematics, computing, physics and related scientific disciplines, yet their work has historically been underrepresented in some of the world’s most prominent scientific awards and leadership structures.

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards seek to increase the visibility of women researchers whose discoveries and ideas are helping push scientific boundaries forward.

By recognising five exceptional scientists each year, the programme celebrates not simply individual achievement but also the broader importance of ensuring that women can participate, lead and receive recognition at the highest levels of international science.

Final Thoughts

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards 2027 represent a prestigious global recognition for exceptional women scientists working in Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Five laureates from five regions of the world will each receive €100,000, recognising scientific achievements that have contributed substantially to the progress of research.

The 2027 nomination cycle opened on 6 April 2026 and closed on 5 July 2026, with final selections expected by 31 December 2026.

Researchers, universities, scientific institutions and potential nominators interested in future editions should monitor the official L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science platform for upcoming calls.

For more information about this opportunity, VISIT HERE.

For more global opportunities, CLICK HERE.