XIX Premios L’Oréal-UNESCO ‘For Women in Science’

THE L’ORÉAL-UNESCO PROGRAM ‘FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE’ OPENS CALL FOR THE 19TH EDITION OF ITS AWARDS IN SPAIN

• This year, the research projects submitted must be focused on an area of ​​Life Sciences and the Environment.
• Registration can be done through the website forwomeninscience.com from today until December 4, 2024.
• During its run in Spain, the program has awarded 87 researchers, who have obtained grants worth around 1.5 million euros.

Madrid, October 24, 2024 – The programa L’Oréal-UNESCO ‘For Women in Science’ The registration period opens today to participate in the XIX edition of its national awards. The objective of the initiative is to recognize the work of researchers from around the world and, specifically in Spain, it grants five awards worth 15,000 euros to five projects led by scientists under 40 years of ageH so that they continue their development in research centers in our country. In this new edition, the research projects presented must be focused on an area of ​​Life and Environmental Sciences (such as biology, biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, physiology, neuroscience, biotechnology, ecology and ethology, or other areas included under this name...).

“At L'Oréal Groupe we feel enormously proud to have been promoting our program in Spain in collaboration with UNESCO, 'For Women in Science', for more than 20 years, which recognizes projects led by women in the field of science. A necessary initiative since, despite having been the majority in universities for years, women still occupy only 33.46% of the chairs, direct only 24.51% of the knowledge transfer projects and, furthermore, only the 23.69% of professorship funds are raised by researchers[1]”, states Juan Alonso de Lomas, CEO of L'Oréal Spain and Portugal. “With more than 4,000 scientists working in our company, we demonstrate our strong commitment to science to create safe and effective beauty. Because the world needs science, and science needs women and, with 'For Women In Science' we contribute to promoting it."

The deadline to submit candidacy will be open until December 4 (included) and inscription must be done through the official website of the program. In this way, among the requirements that will be taken into account when selecting the winners (complete bases in this link), highlight the scientific quality of the project presented and its contribution to society, in which, among other aspects, the gender perspective will be valued. Other variables that will be considered are the innovative nature, contribution to providing greater knowledge in their field of research and practical application of the research, the academic and professional career of the Researcher, and the activity developed by the center in terms of support and dissemination of the work carried out by women in the scientific field, as well as the promotion of this discipline among the youngest.

The applications will be analyzed in the first instance by a technical evaluation commission and, in a later phase, by a jury made up of scientific eminences from Spanish universities and public and private research organizations.

More than 20 years promoting female leadership in the scientific field

Since its creation in 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO program “For Women in Science”, has recognized more than 4,100 scientists from around the world. The International Prize, which recognizes the exceptional career and research of women scientists to inspire the next generation, includes among its winners the Spanish Margarita Salas and Ángela Nieto and Nobel Prize winners, such as the biochemist Katalin Karikó, who received this recognition in 2023, one year after the L'Oréal-UNESCO 'For Women in Science' award; or Anne L'Huillier, researcher and professor of atomic physics, who was recognized by L'Oreal and UNESCO in 2011 and also received the Nobel Prize last year. Alternating every two years between Life Sciences and Materials Sciences, these exceptional researchers, selected by a jury of internationally renowned experts, are awarded a financial award of 100,000 euros to finance their research and continue to contribute crucially to the progress of science.

During its journey in Spain, the program has recognized the work of 87 researchers, to whom it has granted grants worth around 1.5 million euros.

ABOUT THE L’ORÉAL FOUNDATION

The L’Oréal Foundation supports and empowers women to take charge of their future and make a difference in society, focusing on three main areas: scientific research, inclusive beauty and climate action.

Since 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO program has worked to empower more women scientists to overcome the barriers that can hold back their careers and participate in solving the great challenges of our time, for the benefit of all. For 24 years, it has supported more than 3,900 female researchers from more than 110 countries, rewarding scientific excellence and inspiring younger generations of women to choose science as a career.

With the belief that beauty contributes to the process of rebuilding lives, the L'Oréal Foundation helps vulnerable women improve their self-esteem through free beauty and well-being treatments. It also allows disadvantaged women to access employment with specific professional beauty training. On average, around 21,000 people have access to these free treatments each year and more than 27,000 people have participated in professional beauty training since the program's inception.

Finally, the L'Oréal Foundation focuses its activity on women affected by persistent discrimination and gender inequalities, aggravated by climate change. Although they are on the front lines of the crisis, they remain underrepresented in climate decision-making. The L'Oréal Foundation's Women and Climate program supports, in particular, women who develop climate action projects to address the urgent climate crisis and raises awareness of the importance of climate solutions with a gender perspective.

ABOUT UNESCO

Since its creation in 1945, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has worked to create the necessary conditions for dialogue between civilizations, cultures and peoples, based on respect for common values. UNESCO's mission is to use its unique expertise in education, science, culture, communication and information to contribute to peacebuilding, poverty eradication, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue. The Organization has two global priorities: Africa and gender equality.

UNESCO is the only specialized agency of the United Nations with a specific mandate in science, symbolized by the “S” of its acronym. Through its science-related programmes, UNESCO contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, helps developing countries build their scientific and technological capacities, and supports Member States in their efforts. for developing scientific policies and programs. UNESCO also supports Member States in their efforts to develop effective public policies that integrate local and indigenous knowledge systems.

UNESCO promotes scientific research and technical knowledge in developing countries. The Organization leads several intergovernmental programs on the sustainable management of freshwater, ocean and terrestrial resources, the conservation of biodiversity and the use of science to address climate change and reduce disaster risk.

[1] 'Gender study in R&D&I entrepreneurship', promoted by the Women's Institute