L’Oréal-UNESCO 2025 Call for Applications: For Women in Science – South Africa National Young Talents Programme

L’Oréalal and UNESCO offer  the 7th edition of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa National Young Talents Programme. It aims to promote and encourage the participation of young African women in science. This programme identifies and rewards talented young female scientists in the field of Formal sciences, Life sciences, Environmental sciences, Physical sciences, Engineering and Technological sciences.

This national program honours talented South African women for the quality of their research and encourages them to pursue a career in science in any South African Province.

Eligibility:

• For doctoral candidates
  • South African Nationality [Individuals of other nationalities should consult the FWIS Sub-Saharan Programme]
  • Be enrolled in a South African university and carry out their doctorate in a research laboratory in one of the 9 Provinces. As a minimum requirement, applicants must be in the 2^nd year of thesis. Refer to Annexure 1 for the list of provinces.
  • Conducting research in one of the scientific fields listed in the rules document.
• For post-doctoral candidates
  • South African Nationality [Individuals of other nationalities should consult the FWIS Sub-Saharan Programme]
  • Be enrolled in a post-doctorate in a research laboratory or an institution in one of the 9 provinces. Refer to Annexure 1 for the list of provinces.
  • Having obtained a doctorate in one of the scientific fields listed in the rules document.
  • Conducting research in one of the scientific fields listed in the rules document.
  • Having started the post-doctorate before the opening date of the call for applications.

Please note: Candidates should have at least two years remaining on their respective programs, at the time of application, in order to utilize the grant in 2026.

Funding details:

• Three research grants of R80 000 each for PhD researchers enrolled at a South African institution and completing their doctorate in a research laboratory.
• Three research grants of R160 000 each for three South African post-doctoral researchers working in a laboratory or research institute registered in one of the South African provinces. The L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa national program research endowments are awarded within the framework of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science partnership.

Click here for more information. 

Application deadline, 20 May 2025.