The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowships
27 March 2017
As part of our commitment to recognising incredible early-career women scientists, the Australian and New Zealand L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship provides its Fellows with financial support, professional training, exposure and engagement.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowships were established in 1998 at an international level. In 2007 the Fellowships were launched in Australia and New Zealand.
The Fellowships provides:
- Direct financial support
The Fellowship funding will aid the Fellows’ research and career progression. They may use the funds for equipment, employment of a research assistant/technical support, conference /research training attendance or support in the form of child care.
- Media & Communications training
All of our Fellows complete a comprehensive media and communications seminar. This is an integral part of the For Women in Science Fellowship, providing confidence and the ability to discuss research with the broader community and specifically the media. During the seminar we also work closely with the Fellows to develop their research story.
This training works on highlighting the Fellows passion for science, the focus of their research and its significance within Australia and the world. We also look at their desire to overcome any barriers faced by women within the scientific world, to become the future leaders within their research fields.
- Media engagement
Throughout the year of the Fellowship we promote our Fellows and their research to both the scientific community but also main stream media. Telling the stories of our Fellows is critical for three main reasons.
- It highlights the Fellows and their research to an engaged audience both within and outside of the scientific community
- By promoting our Fellows and the Fellowship we increase awareness of the issues surrounding gender equity within STEMM, and play a role in the movement towards equal opportunity and representation of women at all levels within STEMM.
- Through the stories we are able to inspire girls and young women all over Australia and New Zealand, to pursue a career in science. We also believe these stories will inspire young men, which will aid the acknowledgement that great scientific achievements can be obtained from both men and women. This is critical in the development of a cultural change for our future generations.
