Created in 1998, the International Awards L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science honours - every year - 5 eminent women scientists from 5 regions of the world. Alternating every other year, these exceptional researchers are rewarded for their important contributions to the progress of science, either in Life sciences or in the fields of Physical sciences, Mathematics and Computer science. An award of €100,000 is given to each of the five laureates selected by a jury of internationally renowned exp...
The L'Oréal Foundation is launching a new version of its Pour les filles et la Science (For Girls and Science) program, designed to encourage high-school girls from the tenth grade onwards to take up scientific careers. The Pour les Filles et la Science program offers selected high-school girls the chance to take part in a support program throughout the school year, which includes participation in a scientific challenge, a scientific trip, inspiring encounters and outings to various laborator...
Women scientists are leading ground-breaking research across the world. But despite their remarkable discoveries, women still represent just 33,3 %* of researchers globally, and their work rarely gains the recognition it deserves. Less than 4 % of Nobel Prizes for science have ever been awarded to women, and only 11 %* of senior research roles are held by women in Europe.
As the world hurtles towards a future threatened by climate change and resource scarcity, the global scientific community must lose no time in recognising and promoting women scientists’ achievements.
The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have worked together for more than 20 years to help empower more women scientists to achieve scientific excellence and participate equally in solving the great challenges facing humanity.
To date, we have awarded more than 100 laureates, five of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes. Working in the Physical sciences, Formal sciences and Life sciences on five different continents, these eminent women researchers are helping to change the world through their discoveries, and are also role models for younger generations of women researchers who want to pursue their scientific careers and break the glass ceiling.
Each year, the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programmes also support more than 250 talented young women researchers. Through its 52 regional and national programmes, the Fondation L'Oréal and UNESCO support them at a crucial period in their careers, during their thesis or post-doctoral studies.
However, we must remember that there is still much more to be done to achieve true gender equality in science. But we remain determined, and we are moving steadily towards making our vision a reality. One day, we will live in a world where girls are encouraged to study science, where women have adequate support to balance the responsibilities of research and motherhood, and where scientists are judged purely on the merit of their discoveries and the potential of their work to change the world.
*UNESCO Science Report: towards 2030 (2021)
Key figures
4100
More than 4100 Alumnae around the world
500
scientific experts involved in the selections worldwide
110
More than 110 countries covered by our programs
53
national and regional programs worldwide
L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science
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"Gender diversity leads to new and better quality science."
JEAN-PAUL AGON
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF L'ORÉAL, CHAIRMAN OF THE FONDATION L'ORÉAL
"By advancing the cause of women, we can drive progress in science."
AUDREY AZOULAY
GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
"The work of our Young Talents reflects the importance and vitality of scientific research."
