L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Australian & New Zealand Fellowships

The FWIS program was founded in 1998 with a simple aim; to ensure that women are fairly represented at all levels in science.

We’re pleased to let you know that the 2022 applications open through our new website – www.forwomeninscience.com.au

In 2022 we will award four Australian and one New Zealand post-doctoral female scientists with a $25,000 Fellowship. Applicants are welcome from a variety of fields including life sciences, clinical and health sciences, material sciences, physical sciences, mathematics or engineering. Eligible candidates must be within five years of completing their PhD and be enrolled in a research laboratory or an institution in Australia or New Zealand.

Please note – applicants no longer need to be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand to be eligible. 

Applications are now open and will close at 11.59pm Monday 7th March.

The application form and more information about the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Australian & New Zealand program can be found at www.forwomeninscience.com.au.

Australia and New Zealand For Women in Science Fellowship Candidates are evaluated for overall excellence with a focus on: 

- Intellectual merit, scientific excellence and demonstrated potential. This may include: specific research achievements, research impact/application, collaboration achievements, publications record, grants obtained, patents held and any awards or prizes. 

- Relevance of proposed research and ability to articulate it in a clear and compelling way 

- Evidence of originality, initiative and productivity 

- Ability to plan and conduct research either as a member of a team or independently 

- Evidence of leadership 

- Potential for career enhancement if awarded the fellowship 

- Relevance of budget proposal - $25,000 

To be eligible for this Fellowship, the following is required: 

- Applicants must identify as female 

- Applicants must reside in Australia or New Zealand.

- Applicants must be currently employed (full-time or part-time) at an Australian or New Zealand University or research institute and be committed to carrying out their research in Australia or New Zealand in 2022-2023.

- Applicants must have been awarded a PhD within the last 5 years (or FTE). PhD conferred date must be before close of applications. 

- Applicants must work within the eligible scientific fields: life sciences (including medical sciences), physical sciences, computer science, engineering and mathematics. Psychology, science education and social sciences are not eligible for this Fellowship 

To be competitive for this Fellowship, applicants are expected to have: 

- Been awarded a grant(s) or research funding and named as either CI and/or part of the research team 

- Published research findings in high impact journals (respective to their research field) 

- Evidence of research communication, involvement in research projects and leadership 

- The ability to clearly articulate your proposed research in a clear and compelling way 

- Identified how this Fellowship with assist in your career progression 

- Shown appropriate use of research funding Selection process 

Applicants will be judged and selected by our esteemed selection Jury. Following the first review, at the discretion of the Jury, a shortlist will be created. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to provide a letter of reference(s) (maximum of two), from a mentor(s) of their choice. 

The shortlisted applications and letters of reference(s) will be judged in a second review process by our Jury, from which the awarded Fellows will be chosen. 

Fellowship Conditions 

The successful Fellows will be expected to meet the following conditions. Please indicate in special circumstances section of your application if you cannot meet these conditions. 

- Fellowship funding is intended to help finance the Fellow’s scientific research. 

- The Fellowship funds can be used, for example, to purchase equipment, reagents and consumables, or for travel expenses including the cost of attending conferences. The funds may also be used for childcare but not for any other personal expenses. 

- The Fellowship may not be used to supplement the applicant’s salary but may be used to support a research assistant if one is required to ensure the Fellow’s research progresses. 

- The Fellowship may not be used to pay institutional overheads. 

- Fellows will receive the funds in one payment at the award ceremony 

- Fellows can apply for other grants for the same project and/or supplementary grants from other funding bodies as long as they do not prevent the Fellow fulfilling their obligations under the L’Oréal Fellowship. 

- The Fellowships may not be deferred nor renewed. 

- L’Oréal Australia & New Zealand reserves the right not to award one or more of the Fellowships. 

Key dates and commitments 

Successful Fellows will be advised in writing of their successful submission in June 2022. 

Fellows will be required to be available for the following commitments: 

- Media training, photography and filming in Melbourne in July/August 2022 (travel required) 

- Pre-ceremony events and media commitments September-October 2022 

- The Ceremony in October-November 2022 

- Girls in Science forums in Melbourne and Sydney in October-November 2022 (travel required) 

- (For the NZ Fellow only) additional cocktail function in NZ 

- During the Fellowship period (November 2022 to November 2023), Fellows will be expected to act as advocates for women in science in Australia. They may be invited to attend events in Australia or New Zealand on behalf of or as a result of the Fellowship program, and where possible be available for media interviews. 

Reporting 

Fellows are required to provide two reports to L’Oréal which will be forwarded to the Jury for review. One report at the six month mark of the Fellowship, and one within one month of completion. Each report should include a summary of the Fellow’s achievements, the value of the Fellowship and a reconciliation of funds spent

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