L’Oréal USA For Women in Science is the US arm of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme. Each year it gives five women postdoctoral scientists a research grant, with mentoring and networking.
AAAS runs the application and peer review. Awardees pursue their own research at a US institution and give time to supporting women and girls in science.
Benefits & funding
- US$75,000 per awardee in the 2027 cycle, for research and outreach, paid to the host institution in two instalments (2026 FAQ).
- Covers items such as supplies, equipment, staff and conferences; salary with justification; no indirect costs, rent or health insurance.
- Runs one year from the November awards ceremony.
- Duty: at least 20 hours of activity supporting women and girls in science.
Eligibility
- Women with a conferred PhD (or D.P.H./Sc.D.) who have started a postdoc by 31 January 2027; an MD or DVM alone does not qualify.
- US citizens (born or naturalised) or green-card holders by submission; visa holders are barred; Puerto Rico postdocs may apply.
- Must be affiliated with a US-based academic or research institution and conduct the research mainly in the US.
- Basic research in life, physical/material sciences, engineering, technology, computer science or mathematics; psychology, science education and social science are excluded.
- No faculty posts; postdoc status kept all year.
- Must be available for Awards Week in November 2027.
Application process
- 1Apply on the AAAS online portal by 12 February 2027.
- 2Prepare a research plan (max three pages with references), candidate statement, mentoring essay and a budget on the official template.
- 3Arrange three recommendation letters: a mentor or former advisor, your current postdoc advisor, and one of your choice.
- 4Applications go through AAAS-managed peer review.
Program timeline
PhD conferred and postdoc started
31 January 2027
Application deadline
12 February 2027
Awards Week; funds usable from the ceremony
November 2027