New Zealand Science Teacher

L’Oréal expands renowned science scholarship

27/03/2015

New Zealand female scientists are eligible for inaugural $25,000 award.

A renowned award programme has expanded for the benefit of New Zealand women in science.

This year, the L’Oréal Australia & New Zealand For Women in Science Fellowship programme comprises four $25,000 awards: three for Australian scientists and one dedicated to a Kiwi.

For the past 17 years, the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO have joined forces to support women researchers from around the world, through the For Women in Science Programme. Since 1998, the L’ORÉAL-UNESCO Awards have recognised 87 outstanding scientists and researchers, two of whom have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize, by awarding them funds to pursue their research at home or overseas. So far, fellowships have been granted to more than 2170 women in 110 countries.

The latest development has been the addition of a NZ$25,000 fellowship specifically for early-career female scientists in New Zealand.

This new dedicated New Zealand Fellowship boosts the total grants in Australia and New Zealand to around $100,000. Previously, scientists from both countries competed for A$75,000 in grants.

The L’Oréal For Women in Science Fellowships have been open to New Zealanders only since 2012 when University of Otago, Christchurch, senior lecturer Dr Suetonia Palmer was awarded a Fellowship.

Applications for the inaugural $25,000 L’Oréal New Zealand For Women in Science Fellowship are now open and close on 7 April. It is available to female researchers who are five years post their PhDs and who have shown excellence in their careers.

Funds from the Fellowship can be used to help finance scientific research including the costs of assistants, materials, travel, conferences and even childcare. So far, more than 2,250 young women in more than 110 countries have benefitted from the global L’Oréal awards.

New Zealand judges include science consultant, Dr Di McCarthy and University of Auckland distinguished Professor Margaret Brimble. In assessing the applicants, judges will look for women who exhibit leadership skill, and independence in their achievements.

New Zealand Science Teacher talks to Zoe Hilton, 2012 winner of a prestigious International Fellowship, here.

More information about the awards

Young women scientists can enter by completing an online application

The L’Oréal Australia & New Zealand for Women in Science Fellowship recipients will be announced at the award ceremony in September.

What: $25,000 L’Oréal New Zealand For Women in Science Fellowship

When: Entries open now and close 7 April

How:  Criteria and online applications available at http://loreal.scienceinpublic.com.au/applications/