CFPs: L’Oréal-UNESCO Prize for Women in Science in Central America and the Andean Region

This program identifies and rewards talented female researchers in formal sciences, life and environmental sciences, physical sciences, engineering sciences, and technological sciences.

In this edition, three women researchers are recognized: one Colombian, one Ecuadorian, and one Peruvian, who are nationally and internationally distinguished, in recognition of their excellent careers and scientific production.

The purpose of the recognition is to incentivize their brilliant scientific careers by granting a subsidy to contribute to the development of said project and to consolidate the role of women in the conception of scientific solutions to the problems they face.

Prize Information

• The award will be USD$10,000 for each candidate. This means that a total of USD$30,000 will be awarded to three researchers, one from each country, who hold a doctoral degree or are currently pursuing a doctoral degree at national universities in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, or abroad, who are leading ongoing research projects.

Eligibility Criteria

• The candidate must have nationality by birth or naturalization of one of these countries: Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
• The candidate must be identified as female on their national identity card (DNI) or citizenship card.
• Have completed or are currently pursuing a doctoral program in one of the mentioned countries or abroad.
• Candidates currently pursuing a doctorate must be at least in their second year of the program. Candidates who have completed their doctorate must have obtained their degree within a maximum of eight years at the time of application.
• The candidate must be the principal investigator of a scientific research project in one of the disciplines listed which contributes to the advancement of science in the countries participating in this regional program.
• The candidate must be conducting her research project at a research center.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Candidates who have already been recognized by one of the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science national or regional programs are not eligible.

Selection Criteria

• The applicant must:
  • Demonstrate recognition of the scientific quality and importance of the research project (originality, scientific scope, economic impact, and social impact). It is important to show how the candidate has actually contributed. Keep in mind that the focus should be on the work she has done or will do, not the work of the laboratory. The impact of the candidate’s research on the current state of the relevant scientific field (number, quality, and impact of publications, conference presentations, patents).
  • Demonstrate that the research project contributes to the advancement of science in one or all of the program countries (Colombia, Ecuador and/or Peru).
  • The research outlines the overall research plan, including the methodology, as well as the scope, novelty, and potential impacts of the research.
  • It is important that the description be relevant and well prepared; it should illustrate an innovative and creative spirit.
  • This research work should contribute to knowledge in the candidate’s research area and promote scientific work in the mentioned countries and abroad.
  • Assessment of the researcher’s human qualities, autonomy, innovation, creativity, and ability to interact efficiently, productively, and supportively with others (sharing, listening, advising).
  • Recognition of the candidate’s commitment to education, teaching, mentoring, and/or the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in general.

Application Requirements

• A detailed resume of 1 to 2 pages maximum, including training, outreach activities, commitments, etc. This document should demonstrate the candidate’s excellence in academic terms (quality and impact of publications, conferences, patents, etc.) and personal terms (e.g., solidarity, innovativeness, creativity, etc.). Also include activities carried out to communicate and promote science to young women.
• Any reference to the candidate’s scientific social networks and/or websites (such as ResearchGate, ORCID, personal website, others).
• A list of the candidate’s publications (from most recent to oldest).
• Copies of all diplomas and degree certificates obtained in their original language.
• A summary of the research project in a maximum of 200 words.
• A detailed description of the research project, a maximum of 5 pages, including references.
• At least two letters of recommendation, each evaluating the quality of the CV, the originality of the research project, and mentioning the candidate’s relationship and personal qualities. They must be accompanied by the recommender’s CV and contact information.
• Letter from the thesis supervisor or a member of the thesis evaluation panel recommending the candidate’s application. This must be accompanied by the candidate’s resume.

For more information, visit Fondation L’Oreal.