L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program has been launched in Slovakia in 2016.
The program is run in cooperation with the Slovak Commission of UNESCO, the Slovak Academy of Sciences and Slovak organization for Research and Development activities (SOVVA). L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science, Slovakia – talent program, each year, in accordance with the Slovak Academy of Sciences, they declare the criteria for the given year and publish the current application at www.forwomeninscience.com. Women's scholars who meet the criteria will register their scientific papers, from which the expert jury - composed of members of the Slovak Academy of Sciences - will then select the twelve promisings, who will proceed to oral presentations. These personal presentations are already attended not only by a jury composed of the Academy of Sciences but also by representatives of L'Oréal Slovakia and the Slovak Commission for UNESCO and will jointly select female scientists to share the amount of money allocated for that year.
In 2021 the award will be 10,000 EUR and split among 2 scientists. The amount can be used by scientists freely, whether for direct or indirect career development. On top of the financial support, the winners have access to media coverage that will help them to build their network but also will inspire young girls to choose a scientific career. The President of the Jury will select from the laureates one scientist who will be nominated to the international program L'Oréal - UNESCO International Rising Talents. This selected researcher has the opportunity to apply for the
International Rising Talent, and if selected among the 15 International Rising Talents, will receive an additional grant (in 2021 the amount of the IRT grant was 15 000 EUR / researcher), and greater visibility among the international scientific community.