Application Deadline: May 29, 2020
The second edition of the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science South African National Programme aims to promote and encourage young 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. Since the inception of the programme in Africa in 2010, they have seen significant growth. There are now two dedicated programmes for Africa in line with their vision of empowering more young female scientists across Africa:
• The South African National Programme
• The sub-Saharan Africa Regional programme
Grants
This programme honours seven talented South African women for the quality of their research and encourages them to pursue a career in science in any South African Province.
• Five research grants of R80,000 each for five PhD researchers enrolled at a South African institution and completing their doctorate in a research laboratory.
• Two research grants of R160,000 each for two South African post-doctoral researchers working in a laboratory or research institute registered in one of the South African provinces.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following general criteria:
• Having obtained a Ph.D. degree in Formal sciences, Life sciences, Environmental sciences, Physical sciences, Engineering and Technological sciences or pursuing studies leading to a Ph.D. degree at a South African university;
• Be a South African Citizen;
• Working in a Research Laboratory or Institution or being enrolled in a doctoral programme at a University in South Africa;
• Candidates must be no more than 40 years old by the end of the application period for PhD and Post-doctoral awards.
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria of the candidate by the jury are the following:
• The candidate’s outstanding academic records:
o Including number, quality and impactof the publications (impact factors to be submitted)
o Conference presentations
o Patents etc.
• The scientific quality of the research project
• The innovative nature and productivity of the research and its potential application in science
• The ability of the candidate to communicate and promote sciences to a younger audience and to encourage young African female scientists.
• The candidate’s career-path
Application
An application is considered complete only if it includes all documents below:
• Certified copies of the degrees or recent diplomas
• A proof of having obtained a Ph.D. degree for postdoctoral candidates
• A proof of being enrolled at a South African University for doctoral candidates
• A detailed project summary of a maximum 2 pages, including:
o The project description of the current research project
o The proposed use of the grant motivating the candidature with some budget indications. Provide insight into what the grant will be used for e.g. conferences, travel or equipment
• Letters of recommendation from the research supervisor and/or the director of the scientific institution where the research project is carried or the Dean of the University under which the candidate is running her research
• The list of publications and patents.
Incomplete files or received after the deadline for application, as well as candidatures that do not meet the requirements mentioned above, will not be taken into consideration.
For more information, visit L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science.
