Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions you may have on the L'Oreal-UNESCO 2025 For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships. Before applying have a look at some of them below – simply click on the question box and the answer will appear below it.

Applications

• When and how will I find out if my application has been successful?
  Shortlisted applicants will be notified in late April/early May 2024 regarding letters of reference. Applicants who are not successful will also receive an email notifying them of the decision in late April/early May 2024.

Eligibility

• I received my PhD more than five years ago, but I have less than five years post-doctoral experience. May I still apply?
  The L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships are targeted towards early career researchers, with five years or less post-doctoral experience. If you have special circumstances that impact your eligibility for the award (for example, parental or medical leave or other career disruptions), please outline these special circumstances in the eligibility section of the online application. Members of the jury will consider these special circumstances when evaluating your application. Include your FTE research opportunity since your PhD was conferred as well as a short description of each of the special circumstances, the length of duration and short statement of impact (Maximum 200 words).
• I have not yet completed my PhD, am I eligible for the Fellowship?
  No. The L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships are for early career researchers, with five years or less post-doctoral experience. If you are a PhD student, you may be eligible to apply for our PhD Mentoring Scheme. Please see the "About" and "Key Dates" sections of the website for more information on the PhD Mentoring Program, including eligibility, application opening and closing dates.
• I have finished my post-doc and started my own research group but I am less than five years out from my PhD, am I eligible for the Fellowship?
  Yes. The L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships are targeted towards early career researchers, with five years or less post-doctoral experience.
• I am not an Australian/New Zealand citizen; may I apply for a Fellowship?
  Yes. The L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships are open to early career researchers, with five years or less post-doctoral experience, who are residing and working within Australian and New Zealand research institutes. Applicants are not required to be citizens and permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand.
  Which fields of research are covered by the Fellowships?
• The following fields of research are eligible to apply for the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships: life sciences (including medical sciences), physical sciences, computer science, engineering and mathematics.
  Psychology, science education and social sciences are not eligible for this Fellowship.
• Do I need to be employed by a university or a research institution to be eligible for this Fellowship?
  Yes. To be eligible for the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships you must be employed (part-time or full-time) as a researcher at an Australian or New Zealand university or research institute, and committed to carrying out your research in Australia or New Zealand in 2024-2025. You may also have associations with more than one employer.
• Can I apply for the Fellowship to do research overseas?
  No. The the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships are intended to support female scientists carrying out research in Australia or New Zealand. Your Fellowship may, however, be used to support overseas travel directly related to your research. For example, thorugh training courses, conferences or visits to collaborators.

Required Documentation

• Can I submit a paper application?
  No. Applications for the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships can only accept online through the forwomeninscience.com.au website. You can create an account and complete an application through this website.

Award Payment and Use

• How long is the Fellowship and what is the payment structure/timing?
  The L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships is for 12 months. If you are awarded a Fellowship, it will commence at the time of the ceremony (usually October/November). It may not be deferred or renewed. Payment will be made in one installments, at the time of the ceremony.
• What kind of expenses can the Fellowship funds support?
  The L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships funding is intended to finance the Fellow's scientific research. 
• Am I allowed to have other Fellowships or grants at the same time as this one?
  Yes, as long as the terms of the other Fellowships don’t preclude you from holding this one or fulfilling the obligations under the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent Fellowships.